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Andrew Moyo
The tourism sector is one of the industries which has been affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak which has been spreading like wildfire across the globe since it broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan back in December.
With many countries putting various measures, including foreign travel bans, to combat the spread of the deadly virus, local tourism players have expressed their commitment to working with relevant authorities in response to the situation.
On Friday, tourism stakeholders, led by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Munesu Munodawafa, met the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obadiah Moyo, his Permanent Secretary, Dr Agnes Mahomva, and senior ministry officials to seek clarity on action being taken to prevent the spread of the disease, especially at ports of entry as well as how to increase awareness.
The meeting was also attended by the World Health Organisation country representative, Dr Alex Gasasira.
Emphasis of this meeting was on prevention, surveillance, monitoring, access to care, education and awareness, among other things.
Minister Moyo highlighted that Government is working hard to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent the virus’ outbreak in the country.
“Government is working closely with global experts, other governments and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of its outbreak in the country,” said Dr Moyo.
It was agreed that the tourism industry would set up a Covid-19 response committee as a matter of urgency.
Operators have also been encouraged to set up Covid-19 response committees at business level and to create awareness and take preventive measures of the same.
ZTA’s acting chief executive officer, Givemore Chidzidzi, said the tourism sector is fully committed to putting people and their well-being first.
“Co-operation is vital for ensuring the sector can effectively contribute to the containment of Covid-19. The Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) and ZTA are working in close consultation and with other State partners to assist in ensuring that health measures are implemented in ways recommended by the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” said Chidzidzi.
Online Reporter