Important Covid-19 notice

Below is an ad hoc inter-ministerial taskforce on Covid-19 statement issued by Information Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa yesterday.

“My fellow Zimbabweans, the festive season is upon us, it is a time to be merry and spread cheer, but let us remember that we are now under a new normal. The threat posed by Covid-19 has not rescinded, but has increased as there is a new strain of the virus.

“Now more than ever we need to practice protective and preventive measures such as wearing our masks in public spaces, washing or sanitising our hands, and physical distancing.

“The National Taskforce on Covid-19 continues to monitor the situation in the country especially in view of high traffic flows during the festive season.

“High level meetings have been held between Zimbabwe and South Africa, as part of efforts to address challenges and ensure the smooth flow of traffic at Beit Bridge border post.

“Today, 24 December 2020, the National Taskforce on Covid-19 received and deliberated on reports regarding the situation at our border posts from Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Honorable Dr J. B. Matiza and the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honorable Engineer Kazembe Kazembe.

“The public is therefore advised of the following measures which are being implemented with immediate effect:

1. That all persons traveling in or out or transiting through Zimbabwe should possess a valid PCR negative Covid-19 certificate from certified local and international laboratories. In this regard:

· Any returnee without the required PCR certificate will be put under mandatory quarantine

· All foreigners who do not present valid PRC negative Covid-19 certificates will be denied entry into the country

· All persons who wish to travel outside the country should not present themselves at ports of entry and exit without the requisite PCR certificates

2. That decongestion measures are being implemented to create safe zones in our border areas. These measures will include the setting up of check points prior to arrival at the border posts.

Law enforcement agents shall inspect and ensure that all travellers proceeding to our borders have valid PCR negative certificates and other travel documents. Those without the requisite documentation will not be allowed to proceed.

3. To ensure that travellers do not fall prey to conmen and for ease of reference, a list of certified laboratories is being shared nationally, regionally and internationally.

My fellow Zimbabweans, we have come so far and despite our losses, we have continued to be resilient.

Let us keep up our fighting spirit, as this is the only way we can win the war against Covid-19.

Let me take this opportunity to thank you for standing with Government and supporting the efforts to curb the pandemic.

On behalf of the National Taskforce on Covid-19, and His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa, we wish you are safe, pleasant and merry Christmas.”