Zim Covid19 cases up 20% in the last two weeks; WHO scraps measures to block cross border transmissions
Health Reporter
ZIMBABWE Covid19 cases increased by 20% in the last two weeks amid calls for calm by authorities who maintain the pandemic is still under control.
Briefing cabinet on the state of affairs around the deadly pandemic, Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Gen (Rtd) Doctor Constantino Chiwenga said the pandemic is on the rise.
“As of 6th May 2023, Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases had reached 264 766, with 258 944 recoveries and 5 688 deaths. The recovery rate was 98%, with 134 active cases recorded.
“Three deaths were recorded during the week, compared to the zero deaths for the previous week.
“The country recorded a more than 20% increase in new cases over the past two weeks, from 55 to 82 cases. However, the pandemic is still under control,” he said.
The second in charge said as of the 6th of May 2023, the cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered had reached 7 209 561 for the first dose, 5 387 507 for the second dose, and 2 004 408 for the third dose.
As the nation may recall, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released a statement indicating that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Cabinet has directed as follows:
•that vaccination activities in all provinces should continue, with support from the Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and their teams;
•that the mandatory wearing of face masks be lifted as the country adopts the strategy on the long-term management of the COVID-19 pandemic;
•that all border measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 be lifted with immediate effect; and
•that tourists should no longer be required to produce COVID-19 vaccination certificates at ports of entry or at tourist resorts around the country.
