In the News Funds for the vulnerable resume

$7bn for Covid-19 response

GOVERNMENT has set aside $7 billion for the heightened fight against Covid-19, with authorities on Wednesday calling for the tightening of restrictions to control the geographical spread of the virus.

This follows a spike in infections this week when Zimbabwe recorded 1 365 positive cases and 34 deaths on Tuesday alone, amid reports of non-compliance with Covid-19 regulations in many parts of the country.

Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro confirmed receipt of the funds, saying they will partly be used to recruit more personnel and procure equipment to respond to the virus. More hospital beds across the country have now been allotted to Covid-19 patients and as of yesterday, the health services were still on top of the situation in confronting the virus. — The Herald GOVERNMENT has reactivated the disbursement of Covid-19 relief funds to vulnerable members of society to cushion them during level four lockdown.

The new lockdown restrictions largely affect the informal sector.

By December last year more than 276 000 people had benefited from the special facility now being revived.

Prof Mavima said his ministry will submit to Treasury the names of people whose livelihoods will be affected by the lockdown measures.

He urged people to register with the Department of Social Welfare for vetting and possible consideration for the relief fund.

Besides this special scheme, Government, supported by development partners, continues to provide food relief to vulnerable families battling challenges brought by lockdown restrictions and last year’s drought.— The Herald

Border congestion eases

THE movement of travellers through Beitbridge Border Post is gradually improving with authorities clearing most of the people to leave the country between Sunday morning and Tuesday evening.

The country and SADC’s busiest inland port of entry has been a hive of activity following the announcement of a suspension of general passenger travel by Government at the weekend.

The suspension took effect from Tuesday and under the new set-up only foreign nationals and Zimbabweans who are legal residents or have study and work permits in foreign nations are allowed to depart through airports and land borders.

With respect to arrivals, Zimbabweans wishing to come home and foreigners who are legal residents in the country are being allowed entry. — The