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THE silent killer, Covid-19, is rearing its ugly head again following the detecting of a new variant B.1.1.529 which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially named omicron.
Just like everyone else, the country’s leadership is worried, while researchers are equally perplexed about the new variant which reportedly shows an extremely high number of mutations of the coronavirus.
Research findings point out that the recently dictated variant has 32 mutations in the spike protein compared to the eight mutations that were associated with the highly infectious delta variant which wreaked havoc early this year, cutting lives short, while devastating businesses and livelihoods across the country.
President Mnangagwa on Tuesday addressed the nation and announced new extra measures to deal with the new Covid-19 variant.
Zimbabwe is counted among leaders when it comes to best preventive and curative practices, and everyone should be commended for heeding all the prevention measures which have been tabled by the Government.
The key to Zimbabwe’s success has been a prompt reaction to the crisis, Government and stakeholders acting as one on sound scientific advice, and a remarkable degree of public cooperation.
We are all in this together, and just a few months ago that conscientious community effort had reduced the incidence of Covid-19 to manageable levels.
Along with neighbouring countries, it looked like we had defeated Covid-19 and victory was imminent as most countries adopted Level One lockdown measures.
But just as we thought we could collectively breathe a sigh of relief, ease the restrictions and get back to resembling ‘normal’ life again, the unseen enemy is rising again.
The SADC region’s early success is now looking uncertain and uneven.
Outbreaks of the new Covid-19 variant in South Africa and Botswana have the capacity to spread further and before you know it, the whole region will be in lockdown again as the virus does not respect international borders.
But there is more than just one invisible enemy at play here.
Complacency is the other major enemy as Covid-19 thrives when we drop our guard.
Handshaking, hugging and all night beer binges are now evident across the country.
Covid-19 prevention protocols at funerals and all public gatherings are being disregarded, thereby endangering more lives.
We implore everyone to seriously adhere to all Covid-19 prevention protocols so that we weather the fourth wave storm.
Getting vaccinated is a great step in helping to keep yourself and others safe.
However, the Covid-19 vaccine does not provide 100 percent protection, hence the need to continue protecting yourself and others even after vaccination.
In places with low rates of Covid-19 transmission and high rates of vaccination, there is less risk for fully vaccinated people, but unvaccinated people, including children, can still be at risk of infection.
It is still recommended to continue taking precautions such as physical distancing, wearing face masks near others, frequent hand washing and self-checking for any Covid-19 symptoms before going out.
We should also continue practicing good hand hygiene and staying at home when we are unwell.
This must be part of our lives to maintain the community safety and the gains currently achieved.
There is good reason to think that another wave will be just as bad, or worse, than the last one.
With regards to the economy, we are already sailing into unchartered waters.
Small businesses employ a lot of people and in so many ways are the lifeblood of the economy.
And many of them are really doing it tough right now.
Another few weeks without customers and it will be over for many small businesses.
If we fail to heed that sound scientific advice, the consequences will be dire.
Online Reporter