WEEKLY NEWS ROUND-UP

Monday

Lawyers have been separately listed among essential services and can travel to and attend any criminal or civil court hearing involving a client and can travel and meet clients and others when this is necessary to prepare for court appearances. Lawyers had been relying on provisions listing all courts as essential services, with the exception of hearings for eviction, and their necessary involvement in court cases. This had caused confusion and the need for specific listing of lawyers.

Tuesday

The ruling ZANU PF has abandoned conventional political functions in line with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and World Health Organisation ( WHO) guidelines to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in keeping with Level Four lockdown measures. The Government announced the lockdown measures beginning of this month to try to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Wednesday

The Government has announced the reintroduction of the US$ 75 a month Covid-19 allowance for all civil servants, while pensioners will get US$ 30. President Mnangagwa’s administration introduced the adjustment last year to cushion civil servants and the latest relief will also be extended to contract workers and aides of the visually-impaired.

Thursday

Healthcare workers will soon join the security services at roadblocks to screen those intending to pass through for Covid-19 and carry out awareness campaigns on mitigatory measures to reduce the spread of the pandemic. The move is expected to help flatten the infection curve. Health experts deployed to some security checkpoints will be mandated to recommend for further screening and testing, people exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms.

Friday

Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement drive continues to bear fruit after the United Kingdom invited local businesses to participate in next week’s Africa Investment Conference along with companies from 35 other African countries. The key investment conference is organised by the UK’s Department for International Trade and will be held virtually on January 20 because of Covid-19.