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GOVERNMENT has suspended all face-to-face meetings at all its departments with end-of-year planning and other critical meetings set to be held virtually in an effort to contain a fourth wave driven by the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron.
The Covid-19 lockdown measures have also been extended by another two weeks while the enforcement of all regulations will be strengthened.
As of Monday, the country’s cumulative Covid-19 cases stood at 167 140 with 129 776 recoveries and 4 738 deaths.
The recovery rate was 78 percent with 32 626 active cases having been recorded. The number of new cases increased during the week under review, with 28 904 cases recorded compared to 5 055 cases the previous week.
An average of 4 014 new cases were reported per day compared to 723 cases the previous week.
However, the case fatality rate has gone down to 2,9 percent during the week under review from 3,4 percent the previous week.
Prevention measures being implemented such as vaccination continue to contribute to the reduction in the severe impact of the virus.
Areas that recorded significant numbers of new infections include Harare with 8 363 cases, Mashonaland East (3 546), Mashonaland West (2 992), and Bulawayo (2 670).
The total number of new confirmed Covid-19 cases reported through the school surveillance system increased to 1 526 compared to 1 086 the previous week.
However, there were no deaths reported.
The cumulative total number of confirmed cases now stands at 5 711 with 4 893 learners and 818 staff members spread across 582 schools.
In her post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa urged communities at all levels to remain vigilant and to continue adhering to Covid-19 prevention measures.
“In view of the marked increase in the recorded number of daily new cases, the public is advised that the following measures have been agreed to: all Government departments will stop face to face meetings and all the remaining end of year planning and other such critical meetings shall be held virtually,” she said.
“Covid-19 lockdown measures have been extended by another two weeks and a statement will be released.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said Cabinet received an update on the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and a report on the procurement and roll-out of vaccines, as presented by Vice-President and Health and Child Care Minister Constantino Chiwenga in his capacity as chairman of the Ministers’ Covid-19 national committee.
“Regarding the national vaccination programme, Cabinet wishes to inform the public that as of 13 December 2021, a total of 3 956 020 first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine had been administered, while 2 976 972 people had received their second dose.
“Pertaining to the update on procurement of the Covid-19 vaccines, a total of 2,5 million Sinopharm doses were received from China during the week,” she said.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care continues to work closely with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to track vaccine stocks to ensure that the country does not run out of vaccines.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said there are adequate stocks of vaccines for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.
She said the Indian Embassy, in fulfillment of their pledge to deliver a donation of 40 000 doses of Covaxin, has confirmed the consignment is scheduled to arrive in the country tomorrow. — @mashnets
Online Reporter