Masvingo hit hard by COVID-19

THE country recorded a sharp surge in COVID-19 infections, in December 2021 and in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus Vice-President and Health and Child Care minister Constantino Chiwenga on January 2 2021, announced a number of strict lockdown regulations.

The government has forced Zimbabwe back to a hard lockdown, a ban on all non-essential business, social gatherings, intercity travel and one of the strictest curfews which violate fundamental rights and freedoms.

The coronavirus second wave came at a time where hospitals and clinics are severely under-resourced and medical personnel are always on strike citing lack of personal protective equipment and poor remuneration.

COVID-19 pandemic surfaced against the backdrop of a difficult macro-economic environment, climatic shocks (the recent cyclone which hit Gutu district and Bikita, including Mwenezi and Chivi districts).

The preliminary impacts show that the country's healthcare system is likely being stretched beyond its capacity.

In addition, the public health response measures to contain the pandemic have shown that, while necessary, they have also led to disruption of economic activities and livelihoods resulting in increased poverty and vulnerability.

The government should provide support to the youths which are an asset for the development of the country.

Many youths and young women in Masvingo province were relying on cross-border trading to the neighbouring South Africa, which is not possible under lockdown.