Chronicle Editor
Bongani Ndlovu, Sports Reporter
SPORTING activities have been given the greenlight to resume with strict adherence to Covid-19 regulations after almost two years in limbo.
This was announced by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa last night in her weekly post-Cabinet briefing.
She said all staff at sporting facilities and athletes between 14 and 18 years are also encouraged to vaccinate.
“Resumption of sporting activities with strict adherence to Covid-19 regulations and attendant staff also to be vaccinated. All local activities in which participants are below 14, they shall in all cases be checked for Covid-19 symptoms and to follow protocols,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“Athletes or children aged 14 to 18 years are highly recommended to get vaccinated. Gymnasia, health spas and fitness centres be allowed to open to vaccinated clientele. All sports clubs to ensure their staff are vaccinated.”
All sporting activities had been frozen since March last year at the onset of the pandemic outbreak.
The opening up of sports will be a welcome relief for sportspersons, most of who were on the verge of turning their backs on their different disciplines, as hope of resumption appeared dim.
Zimbabwe sent only five athletes to the Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan last month after others struggled to meet qualifying standards due to long periods of inactivity.
Teams representing the country in international tournaments also had the burden of applying to the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) for permission to practice and travel for the events.
In most cases, the SRC took long to respond to applications, leaving teams with very little time to prepare.
The Chibuku Super Cup was abruptly halted in June after a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Minister Mutsvangwa said that there was no need for travelers from Covid-19 affected countries to quarantine.
“Cabinet resolved and wishes to inform the nation that there is no longer need to quarantine travellers from countries afflicted with the variant, such as India,” said Minister Mutsvangwa. — @bonganinkunzi
Online Reporter