PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa Monday described the said  the three weeks long national lock down as a necessary evil and a major first step towards minimising the spread of Coronavirus..

Speaking during a televvised National Address at State House on  the first day of a continuous period declared by his administration to try and arrest what is feared could be rapid spread of Covid-19 in a country with a fragile health system, Mnangagwa urged citizens to join hands in curbing the scourge.

Mnangagwa said the move by government will help save thousands of lives and urged Zimbabweans to observe the recommended precautionary measures to prevent the disease spread.

“It is not a punishment; it cannot be avoided. It is an opportunity to save thousands of lives,” said Mnangagwa.

“We will achieve this by being responsible and by staying at home, by washing your hands and by keeping at least two metres distance from one another.

“I want you to spend the next 21 days acting as if you already have the virus, as if you are carrier.

“Would you want to infect your friends? Would you want to infect your families? Of course not. So, keep your distance. At least 2 metres.”

Mnangagwa Friday declared the country was going on a 21-day total shutdown as part of measures to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus which has so far claimed one life out of seven confirmed cases recorded inside a week.

But many locals who depend on daily income as a form of livelihood are up in arms with authorities for allegedly failing to consider their unique economic circumstances when coming up with the drastic measure.