COVID-19: DISASTER BREWING

. . . Harare residents disregard lockdown measures

RESIDENTS in Harare have continued to disregard Government orders to treat every location in Harare as a potential Covid-19 hotspot.

Government, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, on Wednesday issued stern warnings that most active cases had been recorded in the capital soon after the festive season.

Harare alone has more than 2 300 active cases.

However, as most businesses seem to have complied and closed in the city centre, a disaster is brewing in residential areas where most people are exposing themselves to the virus.

A survey conducted by H-Metro around Highfield and Glen View areas proved that most residents were defying lockdown measures by going about their business as usual, whilst some gathered in groups without wearing masks.

Police had to move in swiftly to disperse residents at Glen View’s Area 8 where traders not falling under the essential services were operating.

Some of the residents and traders who spoke to H-Metro said they were aware of the new lockdown measures, but were only trying to fend for their families.

“The lockdown has come at a bad time, some of us had spent all our savings during the holidays.

“I have to work or else my family dies of hunger, we are pleading with authorities to at least reconsider the 30-day period and make it less,” said Mukundi Mabasa.

“I am aware that we are under an extended lockdown and we even closed business in the city centre.

“However, I couldn’t just sit at home so I had to come out hoping that maybe I can score one or two deals since I am not going to work,” said Tonderai Motsi.

Another woman, gogo Marvis Murandu said her family is living in fear because of the defiance by some traders at the Glenview complex.

“These people are posing a health risk to my family because my house is just next to the complex.

“They gather around in front of my gate ignoring Covid-19 regulations, they don’t put on masks when they conduct their business.

“They evade police and gather around again after they have gone,” she said.

Health and Child Care Deputy Minister, Dr John Mangwiro has encouraged residents to be on high alert regarding the next person as a risk due to the second wave of the virus.

Testing has also been intensified in Harare and all provinces.

“What we are facing now we have never faced it and it will be difficult to curb if we don’t follow guidelines and regulations as stated by the World Health Organisation,” he said.