Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
Border officials at Beitbridge are fully implementing the new Covid-19 screening protocols in line with Statutory Instrument (SI) 267 of 2021, although the volume of human traffic through the port is very low.
It is understood that many people are using the illegal crossing points along the Limpopo River where the National Security Task Force (NTF) continues to round up irregular migrants and smugglers.
Beitbridge district medical officer (DMO), Dr Lenos Samhere said although they had realigned their screening processes with the new regulations, they were worried at the level of absconding at the local quarantine centre.
“We are screening and testing travellers as required, but you will note that there is very low volume of traffic coming through the border,” said Dr Samhere.
“As per standing rules, those who would have been out of the country for more than 14 days are tested and then allowed to quarantine (for 10 days) at selected approved facilities.
“Those testing positive, we put them into isolation for medical attention, and those who would have been out of the country for less than 14 days are allowed to self-quarantine at their homes subject to inspections by our Port Health teams.”
The DMO added that some approved lodges around the Beitbridge district, which were previously approved as quarantine facilities have expressed interest in offering services.
By the end of the day, Port Health officials were seen screening mostly truck drivers and cross-border transporters.
As it stands, truck drivers are subject to produce a Covid-19 clearance certificate valid for not more than 30 days, while the cross-border transporters should have certificates not exceeding a two weeks validity period.
Visitors and returning residents are expected to produce a PCR Covid-19 clearance certificate valid for not more than 48 hours, subject to other tight screening measures.
The Beitbridge Quarantine, Transit and Isolation centre has an approved carrying capacity of 150 people on quarantine and 70 on isolation.
Over 21 000, Zimbabweans arriving by road from Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa have passed through the place since March last year. — @tupeyo
Online Reporter