Pandemic response gains momentum
THE ad-hoc inter-ministerial taskforce on Covid-19 yesterday expressed satisfaction with the country’s readiness to deal with the pandemic.
This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, while giving the taskforce’s daily update.
She said the taskforce’s sub-committee had deliberated on various issues and was particularly impressed by the response from institutions of higher learning.
Minister Mutsvangwa said institutions of higher learning were producing 75 500 litres of sanitisers and 18 500 face masks per day and other protective material such as surgical gowns and caps, plastic gowns and overshoes.
She commended companies, individuals and other organisations that had also come on board to assist Government.
“Our national response preparedness continues to gain momentum, Government is encouraged by its citizens who continue to adhere to the lockdown measures,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“Let us continue to practice the protective and preventative measures that our health experts are advising us.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said the taskforce agreed to the establishment of transit truck stops for drivers from Sadc countries transiting through the country.
“As Zimbabwe is a major transit point in SADC, essential goods continue to be ferried through the country to regional destinations,” she said.
“Statutory Instrument 93 of 2020 expounds on the entry and exit of any goods vehicles in transit engaged in an essential service.
“The taskforce deliberated and adopted the establishment of SADC Transit Truck Stops for use by regional transit traffic when they traverse Zimbabwe during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said Government prioritised the drilling and rehabilitation of boreholes at medical and isolation centres across the country.
She said bulk water was being transported by trucks to various suburbs in Harare and Bulawayo to ensure clean water supply.
“In Harare, a total of 17 boreholes have been drilled, including nine at Parirenyatwa Hospital and four at Sally Mugabe Hospital,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“Three boreholes are being drilled at Beatrice Infectious Disease Hospital and Wilkins.
“Ten boreholes are also being drilled at priority centres identified by provincial taskforce teams, while 50 boreholes have been rehabilitated since the lockdown and another 51 are currently being rehabilitated.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said 665 hand washing facilities had been constructed and installed at public places across the country.
Meanwhile, Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Obadiah Moyo, said it was a legal requirement that every returning resident be quarantined for 21 days.
“Administratively, it is a requirement that returning residents be subjected to a Rapid Diagnostic Testing upon entry and then again be tested by PCR for Covid-19 on Day 8 of quarantine,” he said.
“If they are found positive by PCR they will need to be placed in isolation at an isolation centre.
“If they are negative, they will be released after Day 8 to complete the rest of the 21 days in self-quarantine at their own home.”
Dr Moyo said those quarantining at home would be followed-up by health experts.