No jab, No job!
THE Public Service Commission (PSC) has directed that all civil servants get vaccinated as the private sector lobbies for compulsory Covid-19 vaccination to save lives and boost economic productivity.
In an internal circular last week, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) directed all employees to get vaccinated or not report for duty next month.
Employees from leading retail supermarkets told Chronicle that they have been instructed to get vaccinated or risk losing their jobs.
Job seekers in the public transport sector have also said they now have to present Covid19 vaccination certificates if they are to be recruited.
Government has embarked on mass vaccination for all eligible adults, and this comes at a time when countries that have achieved herd immunity through vaccination have started to open up their economies.
These countries have since made optional, the previously mandatory wearing of face masks while social gatherings are no longer restricted.
In an internal circular to permanent secretaries of ministries and heads of parastatals dated July 19, PSC secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe said all civil servants are considered frontline workers and should get vaccinated.
“All civil servants are considered to be frontline workers as indicated by the health authorities. All heads of ministries are, therefore, directed to ensure that all civil servants under their jurisdiction are vaccinated,” said Ambassador Wutawunashe.
He said unvaccinated employees will no longer be allowed to board PSC buses.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive officer Dr Sifiso Ndlovu commended the PSC for taking a bold step, saying the decision was made in the interest of public health and protecting employees.
“The question is, are people safer when they are vaccinated or not? Science is now proving that those who are vaccinated - and according to the efficacy levels - are likely to survive more than die. So, the choices that we are making in the interest of public health are important,” said Dr Ndlovu.
He said the decision will in the long run protect employees from the adverse effects of contracting Covid-19, although this does not mean they will not be infected in case they are exposed to the deadly virus.
“In the interest of public health that position must be supported by all progressive Zimbabweans. That decision informed by scientific research is a decision that is taken in the interest of Zimbabweans. Therefore, let’s support it and ensure that everybody must get activated to vaccinate,” he said.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Mr Denford Mutashu said making vaccination mandatory will prevent economic disruptions.
He encouraged more business entities to compel their employees to be vaccinated.
“The CZR supports mandatory vaccination initiatives adopted by many companies in
Zimbabwe as a way of acceleration towards attainment of a herd immunity as the third wave surges. More workers will be vaccinated and Government will not be compelled to shut down the economy completely as Covid19 cases and deaths will be reduced. Business should take leadership of the vaccination drive across the economy and reduce the spread of the virus,” he said.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries vicepresident Mr Joseph Gunda said in light of how first world countries are adjusting, mandatory vaccination might be the best option.
“We see what is happening in other countries where this thing started. For example, the United Kingdom, they have opened up from the 19th (of July). It’s all systems go for them, all courtesy of vaccination. Even at the recent Euro football championships, we saw crowds, 60 000 people were in Wembley, no social distance, no masks and where is that confidence coming from? In my perspective, it is coming from the achieving of herd immunity which is proof that vaccinations are working,” said Mr Gunda.