270 returnees set free

GOVERNMENT has facilitated the release of over 270 returnees who tested negative for COVID-19 in Harare following pressure from stakeholders over the deplorable situation in quarantine centres.

Following weeks of much-publicised harrowing tales from the centres which have now become the sole source of infections, Health minister Obadiah Moyo said government had since realised the need to set guidelines which would ensure that returnees were not held unnecessarily.

Addressing the media yesterday, Moyo said they were keen to address all the challenges experienced in the centres.

“It is not in our interest as government to detain people for periods which are longer than stipulated,” Moyo said.

The Health minister urged staff under his ministry to ensure that returnees were accorded their rights, including being tested on day 1, day 8 and 21.

"If they are negative, they should be released and allowed to go home. If positive, they will be placed in isolation,” he said.

Currently, those who tested positive are housed at Beatrice Infectious Diseases Hospital and Parirenyatwa Hospital.

Moyo said they were still being monitored until day 21 when they would have the final test. Following this development, Harare Polytechnic was literally emptied as the 95 tests were all negative and returnees were discharged.

Last week, there were some skirmishes at the college with the inmates complaining of delayed testing and results.

Many were concerned that they would be infected in the centres which are overcrowded and lack social distancing.