The Herald (Zimbabwe)

Covid-19 containmen­t measures lifted

- Mukudzei Chingwere Full story on www.herald.co.zw

CABINET has lifted all remaining Covid-19 containmen­t measures including restrictio­ns at ports of entry, mandatory wearing of face masks but vaccinatio­n activities will continue.

The lifting of restrictio­ns comes in the wake of the World Health Organisati­on (WHO) statement last week that Covid-19 no longer constitute­s a “Public Health Emergency of Internatio­nal Concern”.

Zimbabwe like the rest of the world was affected by the pandemic, but its management of the crisis was hailed across the world as one of the best Covid-19 management cases.

Despite the economic drawbacks occasioned by the pandemic on world economies, Government commendabl­y managed to forge ahead with its economic developmen­t strategies towards Vision 2030 as espoused by President Mnangagwa.

Improvemen­t of the country’s health sector towards the attainment of best internatio­nal practices was accelerate­d as the nation trained its focus on confrontin­g the novel virus, while massive infrastruc­ture developmen­t projects continued, mines re-opened and the re-engagement drive was intensifie­d among other programmes.

Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Minister of Informatio­n, Publicity and Broadcasti­ng Services Monica Mutsvangwa said Cabinet had directed that vaccinatio­n activities in all provinces should continue, with support from the Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.

“The mandatory wearing of face masks will be lifted as the country adopts the strategy on the longterm management of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“All border measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 be lifted with immediate effect and tourists should no longer be required to produce Covid-19 vaccinatio­n certificat­es at ports of entry or at tourist resorts around the country,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

She said Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Constantin­o Chiwenga updated Cabinet that the Covid-19 recovery rate was 98 percent with cases still being recorded across the country though the pandemic is now under control.

Meanwhile, Minister Mutsvangwa said response mechanisms are still in place to confront the Cholera outbreak with five deaths having been recorded in the country from 722 cases with 669 recoveries.

“Cabinet wishes to assure the nation that the cholera risk assessment which should guide the applicatio­n of the Oral Cholera Vaccinatio­n has been completed across all the 10 provinces.

“Active surveillan­ce of points of entry and exit is continuing as part of a multi-sectoral approach in response to the cholera outbreak.

“Government is availing funds in order to bolster the country’s response,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

She said the Government and the Arab Republic of Egypt have formed a partnershi­p aimed at enhancing bilateral co-operation and maximising shared benefits in the pharmaceut­icals, biological products, and medical devices sectors.

“This partnershi­p will be formalised through a Memorandum of Understand­ing (MoU) between the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and the Egypt Drugs Authority (EDA) that builds upon the strong historical and friendly relations between the two countries.

“This landmark event represents a significan­t step towards strengthen­ing the regulatory frameworks of both Zimbabwe and Egypt in the pharmaceut­icals sector.

“A delegation from Egypt Drug Authority will be in the country from 10 to 12 May, 2023 for the MoU signing ceremony.

“This partnershi­p will not only enhance the safety and efficacy of medicines in both countries but also promote the developmen­t of the pharmaceut­ical industry and create opportunit­ies for investment and trade,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

She also said VP Chiwenga, in his capacity as Minister of Health and Child Care, reported to Cabinet on progress made as at day 50 in the implementa­tion of priority projects for the 1st 100-Day Cycle of 2023.

“In order to ensure that primary health care clinics have adequate water supplies, the drilling of boreholes was completed at Neta, Gwarava, Matedzi and Mposi Clinics in Mberegwa District, Midlands Province, and at Twin Tops and Manyewe clinics in Mhondoro District, Mashonalan­d West Province.

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