Harare, (New Ziana) -Zimbabweans have been urged to continue complying with Covid-19 health and safety protocols while celebrating the upcoming 41st Independence Day anniversary to avoid a spike in infections.

In a statement ahead of the commemorations to be held on Sunday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said Zimbabweans should feel free to conduct celebrate in a peaceful manner while remembering that the country, like the rest of the world, was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My ministry is concerned by church and funeral gatherings which are openly exceeding the stipulated figure of 50 people. Some church congregants and mourners are reportedly clashing with the police who are obviously coming in to disperse the gatherings which in most cases are exceeding 1 000 people,” he said.

The government recently announced that gatherings would be limited to 50 people during the independence celebrations to be held this Sunday.

“The public should continue prioritizing the wearing of face masks, practicing social distancing and sanitizing at all times,” said Kazembe, adding the law would take its course without fear or favour on such errant gatherings which exposed the public to COVID-19.

“My Ministry has directed the Commissioner General of Police to take action on political activists, individuals and civic organizations who have openly threatened to engage in illegal demonstrations.”

For the second year running, Zimbabwe will be celebrating its independence without public gatherings as the authorities seek to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

To protect learners and avoid a COVID-19 infection spike, the government has also directed that all learners at boarding schools should remain there during the Independence Day holiday, as happened during the Easter Holiday.
New Ziana