Zim eases curfew, business hours

Minister Monica Mutsvangwa

Vusumuzi Dube, Senior Reporter

GOVERNMENT has eased the dusk to dawn curfew that was imposed as part of the Covid-19 national lockdown to help lessen the risk of the public contracting the pandemic.

Last month, the Government imposed a 6pm to 6am curfew as part of its efforts to contain spread of the pandemic in the country.

Speaking at a post cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said Government has revised business operating hours to end at 4.30pm from 3pm.

The curfew on the other hand is now from 8pm to 6am.

“Having noted the plight of the public and the need to lessen the risk of contracting Covid-19, Cabinet directed that the business hours which were ending at 3pm be revisited to end at 4.30pm and the curfew to be extended to 8pm.

“Public transport drivers will also undergo regular Covid-19 PCR tests and public transport buses will be allowed a dedicated lane at roadblocks to expedite their passage,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The Minister further revealed that Government had given the greenlight for establishment of a Technical Steering Committee with experts from all the sectors involved in the Covid-19 response.

“The Covid-19 response is to be merged into a single response plan comprising the Command Centre, Office of the Covid-19 Chief Coordinator and Ministry of Health and Child Care,” said the Minister.