Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
RESIDENTS in Hwange have been implored to be responsible during the fight against Covid-19 fight as health workers are becoming overwhelmed with the rising number of cases.
The town has seen a spike in positive cases as residents continued to openly flout regulations put in place to limit movement and interaction of people.
Hwange District Medical Officer, Dr Fungai Musanami-Mvura said the risky and reckless behaviour being exhibited by Hwange residents was worrisome and contributing to the spike in cases.
“Cases of Covid-19 are increasing at an alarming rate in the Hwange urban community. As of 14 July 2021 Hwange had over 300 people who currently have Covid-19. Although we have started vaccinations the impact of this will only be seen in another six to eight weeks. This calls us all to action now. This is not the time to wait for security personnel to enforce the lockdown precautions on you,” said Dr Mvura.
She said the high levels of complacency was resulting in some violating self isolation regulations leading to health personnel getting overwhelmed.
“It is very disappointing that some of us are continuously violating the regulations and that generally as a community we continue to be so lax to the extent that some people diagnosed with Covid-19 do not adhere to self isolation instructions. Our health workers are fast becoming overwhelmed and if this kind of reckless behaviour continues we will lose more and more people not only to Covid-19 but to other health conditions which do not take a break because of the pandemic.”
Dr Mvura encouraged those diagnosed with the diseases to self isolate at home while businesses were instructed to close at stipulated times.
“On top of observing the usual laid down regulations isolate at home if you are diagnosed with Covid-19, do not operate or go to the shebeens and limit funeral gatherings to 30 people. Business should close at the stipulated times.”
Meanwhile, police have intensified awareness campaigns and crackdowns on shebeens in the town. Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda said police have increased the enforcement of Covid-19 regulations and protocols.
“Since the beginning of the year shebeen owners have been arrested in places such as Empumalanga in Hwange.
Shebeens are considered to be Covid-19 super spreaders. We applaud members of the public who are doing a good job by giving us tip-offs with regards to underhand operations of shebeens owners,” he said.
Insp Banda said between 1 and 14 July, Lupane registered 220 arrests, Victoria Falls 86, Nkayi 158, Hwange 301 in connection with flouting of regulations.
Online Reporter