Tight security for quarantine centres

MANICALAND has tightened security at its quarantine centres following the escape of four returnees from Marymount Teacher’s College in Mutare last week.

The four had been deported from Mozambique after they had been caught by Mozambican security forces as they tried to cross into that country through illegal crossing points.

Having been brought to the quarantine facility, they sneaked out in the middle of the night. One of them was later caught and has been assisting police with investigations. The other three are still at large.

Manicaland Provincial Covid-19 taskforce chairperson, Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba said the incident highlighted that more security measures are needed to ensure that all returnees stay the required 21 days in quarantine.

“The returnees escaped at night because the windows did not have burglar bars and there is no perimeter fence at the back of the hostels where they were staying.

“Upon investigation by our security forces, they discovered that the information given by the returnees was false, especially on their residential addresses. The one who was captured is the one who has been providing information and some leads as to who these people are,” she said.

“Some lessons drawn from that experience is that there is need for thorough vetting when the returnees come from outside Zimbabwe before they are admitted into the quarantine centers. Security forces can double check with their next of kin and verify the information.”

She said the taskforce is now doing a thorough inspection of all premises to ensure they are secure.

Minister Gwaradzimba said the escapees are considered as criminals and the law will not be kind to them as they are putting the lives of many people in danger.

“The law is not going to be kind with people who run away from quarantine institutions. The danger is that if they rejoin their families and interact with some members of the community, they pose a risk not just to their families, but also to the people of Manicaland and the whole country,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Victoria Chitepo Provincial hospital received donations of reusable personal protective equipment worth $700 000 from HigherLife foundation.

Officiating during the hand-over of the equipment, Dr Gwaradzimba said the gesture is welcome as it is crucial to protect health workers spearheading the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Econet wireless Manicaland general manager, Ms Daisy Dzingiso said the funds to purchase the PPE had been mobilised from donations made by well-wishers.

She said similar donations have been made to other hospitals across the country.