Zimbabwe covid-19 alert!
ZAMBIANS intending to travel to Zimbabwe should acquire valid Covid-19 certificate as that country is under total lockdown until next month, the Zambian mission has advised.
Emmanuel Chenda, Zambia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, said travellers must always be in possession of a valid Covid-19 certificate when entering or exiting that country.
Mr Chenda said the national lockdown includes a 12-hour curfew from 18:00 hours to 06:00 hours in the morning as the country battles the second wave of covid-19.
Mr Chenda said the public in Zimbabwe had been implored to take heed of the Covid-19 national lockdown level four measures and stay at home except movement to access food and medicines.
He said police were expected to arrest anyone found in public places such as supermarkets, banks, pick up points and others without or improperly wearing masks and not practising social distancing.
“All gatherings including weddings, churches have been banned and public places such as bars and restaurants closed.
“Essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets remain open between 08:00 hours and 15:00 hours. Public transport is limited and intercity travel is restricted,” Mr Chenda said.
He added, “The mission wishes to advise that commercial flights between Zambia and Zimbabwe are available and tourists are authorized to move from airports to designated facilities.”
Mr Chenda said the borders remain closed until February 5, and that returning residents were allowed entry but required to be in possession of a valid Covid-19 certificate issued no more than 48 hours prior to the day of travel.
“The Embassy wishes to advise that on leaving Zimbabwe, travellers will be required to present a negative Covid-19 certificate issued no more than 48 hours to boarding the flight or travelling by road.
“Individuals who display Covid-19 symptoms despite having the certificate will not be allowed to board and will be charged a processing fee of US$60; and they will have to submit to being screened and tested for the disease at a holding facility. If one tests negative, they will be discharged for self-isolation for 14 days,” he said.