Govt further extends Lockdown Level Four

News Editor
GOVERNMENT has further extended the Level Four Lockdown by two weeks after noting that although Covid-19 deaths and infections are going down, more efforts are required to contain the third wave of the pandemic.

In a statement last night, the Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said people must continue observing Covid-19 protocols.

“Government wishes to inform that the Level 4 Lockdown has been extended by another two weeks. This has been necessitated by the realisation that although there has been a notable decrease in the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths, more efforts are required to contain the third wave of the pandemic,” said the minister.

“We cannot afford to let our guard down until we are all safe. Members of the public are therefore, urged to take this opportunity to get vaccinated. Government will continue to procure vaccines and avail them to those who are eligible and willing to be vaccinated.”

Under the Level Four Lockdown, inter-city travel remains banned, the dusk to dawn curfew remains in place and businesses operate from 8AM to 3.30PM.

Two weeks ago, Government gave churches the green light to resume physical services subject to adherence to the Ministry of Health and Child Care and World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols. Congregants, including church leaders who violate the conditions risk being arrested, hence only congregants who have received two doses of the vaccine are allowed to attend, all Ministry of Health and Child Care and WHO protocols must be are adhered to.

Government has also said assessment on the state of preparedness for the safe reopening of schools is ongoing across all provinces.

As the country prepares for schools reopening, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has redoubled efforts towards the targeted provision of tents, additional furniture, reliable water sources, ablution facilities, and the decongestion of teacher accommodation. Testing for Covid-19 is also being escalated in communities.

Early this month, President Mnangangwa said several countries, globally and in the region are beginning to experience a fourth pandemic wave.