Social gatherings spew Covid-19 spread

 

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter

 

THE surge in Covid-19 cases in Manicaland – which saw the province recording the highest cases of new infections at 462 yesterday (Friday) – has been attributed to social gatherings that include churches, partying and funerals.

Manicaland recorded the highest number of new infections at 462 while Harare was second with a total of 302.

All other provinces recorded below 300 new cases.

Provincial Development Coordinator for Manicaland Mr Edgars Seenza told The Manica Post that the provincial taskforce will convene a virtual meeting early next week to widen their response initiatives.

“It is indeed a cause for concern for us as a province that we recorded the highest number of new cases as of Friday. It is worrisome. We are now aware that the main reasons behind the surge are social gatherings that include churches, funerals and partying.

“We have laws that are in place that deal with these issues as far as the numbers allowed are concerned. Therefore, we need to reactivate our security agents to ensure total compliance to these laws so that we can contain the spread of the pandemic,” said Mr Seenza.

In a separate interview, Chipinge District Medical Officer Dr Brian Makumbe acknowledged the surge in cases in some rural communities within the district.

Areas around Checheche and Chisumbanje in the Lowveld have also recorded an increase in new cases owing to the overflow from Chiredzi, a hot spot in neighbouring Masvingo province.

‘We have had an increase in rural areas such as Checheche and Chisumbanje in the Lowveld simply because of their proximity to Chiredzi. We have also recorded an increase in new cases in those areas owing to the overflow from Chiredzi, a hot spot in neighbouring Masvingo province.

“We now also have areas such as Craigmore and the entire Chikore area in the district where some cases have been attributed to local transmission in social gatherings and public spaces. This entails those that travel to other cities and return to their homes in Chikore,” said Dr Makumbe.