The Government has reintroduced the lockdown exemption letters in a bid to curtail unnecessary movement in the Central Business District.
It is thought that the reduced movement will go a long way in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Zimbabwe is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 infections which are thought to be associated with the 3rd wave.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week imposed a relaxed level 4 lockdown which mainly reduced working hours.
Under the lockdown measures, all manner of gatherings were also banned except funerals where only 30 mourners are allowed.
There are also localised lockdowns in several parts of the country which are deemed hot spots. These include Kariba, Kwekwe, Bulawayo and Chinhoyi among others
However, these measures appear to not be working as deaths and infections have continued to increase.
Addressing the media, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the increase in cases has necessitated the reactivation of the exemption letters.
‘’The nation is advised that the exemption mechanism which was used during the first lockdown in 2020 will be reactivated with immediate effect.
‘’Stiffer penalties will be imposed for violations of COVID-19 restrictions, including the withdrawal of business operating licences,’’ she said.
Weekly COVID-19 cases going up
In terms of cases, the minister indicated that there was a 107% increase compared to the previous week.
‘’This represents a 107% increase. As you might be aware the entire country is now under level 4 lockdown, following the surge in COVID-19 cases.
‘’The worst affected provinces are Mashonaland West (2 114), Mashonaland Central (2 957), Harare Metropolitan (1 041), Mashonaland East (847) and Midlands (848).
‘’Regarding case management, infection, prevention and control, the Ministry of Health and Child Care remains seized with managing COVID-19 cases detected in different parts of the country,’’ she said.
The increase in cases comes at a time when the country is making progress in the vaccination program, with more vaccines expected in the country.
Govt reintroduces lockdown exemption letters
Govt reintroduces lockdown exemption letters
