Chronicle Editor
Leroy Dzenga, Harare Bureau
GOVERNMENT has banned all gatherings except funerals in new Covid-19 containment measures announced by Vice-President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Constantino Chiwenga yesterday to prevent a possible third wave of the pandemic.
VP Chiwenga announced the new regulations, which come into effect tomorrow, at a press conference in Harare. He said last week Zimbabwe recorded 596 new cases and 26 deaths, a figure authorities believe is a consequence of complacency in communities and at work places.
“All gatherings except funerals are banned. These gatherings include, but not limited to weddings, church gatherings, music festivals and sports activities,” VP Chiwenga said, adding that funerals shall be limited to 30 people.
Companies have been directed to decongest their staff by 50 percent, while workshops have been banned.
“All workshops and meetings are to be held virtually. In addition all offices, both Government and private, are to decongest by 50 percent (except for offices connected with essential services),” VP Chiwenga said.
Under the new measures, restaurants are no longer able to sell food to sit-in customers save for those appended to hotels and lodges.
“Beer halls and night clubs will remain closed whilst bottle stores will operate from 10:00 hours to 16:00 hours.
Operators should ensure that there is no drinking in and around their premises. Failure to adhere to these measures will result in withdrawal of business licences,” said VP Chiwenga.
The ongoing tobacco marketing season will see adjustments in operations as each consignment of tobacco bales is now required to be accompanied by a maximum of two people. Tobacco farmers and auction floor workers are to be given priority on vaccinations. Health inspectors and law officers will be on high alert in the coming weeks to ensure adherence to the measures, while travellers will be strictly vetted.
Online Reporter