Vice President Constantino Chiwenga
HARARE,– The Zimbabwean government on Saturday restored a curfew and banned all gatherings, except for funerals, for 30 days as the country battles to contain a surge in COVID-19 infections.
As was the case during the initial lockdown restrictions in March 2020, only essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets will remain open.
However, these services will now operate between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The country has of late witnessed a high number of local infections amid fears that the second wave of the pandemic will be more deadly than the first.
As of Saturday, Zimbabwe recorded 14,491 cases and 377 deaths with about 1,400 infections reported this week.
Image: [File Photo] ReutersZimbabwe currently has 14 084 cases and 369 COVID-19 related deaths.
The move comes after South Africa’s neighbour postponed its school reopening to a later date due to a surge in coronavirus infections and a tropical storm sweeping through the region.
Zimbabwe currently has 14 084 cases and 369 COVID-19 related deaths.
Authorities say the country’s health system is under strain, thus the decision to place it under full lockdown.
During the last month of December, daily cases reportedly averaged more than 100, compared to less than 50 in November.
SABC News correspondent Ephert Musekiwa elaborates on this story in the video below: