Chinhoyi Hospital refutes closure talk

Conrad Mupesa

Herald Reporter

Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital is still open and operating as normal, contrary to social media reports that it has closed after some of its staff tested positive for Covid-19.

Reports of the closure of the provincial referral hospital, which circulated widely over the weekend, had caused panic across Mashonaland West Province.

Hospital superintendent, Dr Collet Mawire, said they had only temporarily closed the casualty department to allow for disinfection of that particular section.

Acting provincial medical director, Dr Gift Masoja, also allayed the fears and said patients were accessing health care at the institution.

“I would like to categorically make it clear that the hospital never closed down,” he said. “Patients are still getting assistance.”

Meanwhile, disinfection of all Government departments and ministries has started in Chinhoyi, the provincial capital, and other centres to arrest the spread of Covid-19.

Mashonaland West Public Works Department director Mr Trymore Mutizwa said his department will cascade the programme to all parts of the province.