STAFF REPORTER
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended the national lockdown to slowdown the spread of the deadly coronavirus by 14 more days and unveiled a ZWL$18bn stimulus package for companies which will be allowed to reopen on Monday.
The rescue package is equal to 9% of Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product or 28,6% of this year’s National Budget.
Zimbabwe now has 34 cases, including five recoveries and four deaths.
“We had gradually lifted the lockdown restrictions in some sectors such as mining and marketing of tobaccos but now noticing there is gradual increase of infections, the lockdown will continue for the next 14 days, however, relaxed to Level 2,” Mnangagwa said.
He added: “The ZWL$18bn economic rescue and stimulus package will relaunch the Zimbabwe economy on a strong trajectory, characterized by higher productivity and supportive of job retention and creation.”
The lockdown will see all people wear masks when outside their homes and the reopening of industry and commerce.
“All people must wear masks of any type including home-made ones, outside their homes. The re-opening of industry and commerce, provided companies must ensure rapid diagnostic testing, social distance in workplace and sanitisation. All workers must wear masks in the workplace. Operating hours are to be from 8am to 3pm,” Mnangagwa said.
The informal sector, Mnangagwa said would remain closed except for agriculture and its food supply chain markets.
Mnangagwa also said public gatherings of more than 50 people and the use of public taxis remain suspended, while schools will remain closed.
