STAFF REPORTER
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a 21-day lockdown that will start on Monday March 30, to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Zimbabwe has reported seven cases so far and one death.
Mnangagwa said the decision came after government was advised that the country faced continuous “potential grave” threats despite having recorded only few cases of coronavirus also known as Covid-19.
He said all non-essential services were expected to completely cease operations for the next 21 days, while shops and food open markets would operate under the supervision of health officials.
“Starting Monday March 30, 2020, and subject to further review, Zimbabwe will be under a total lockdown for a period of 21 days,” Mnangagwa said.
“This means all our citizens are required to stay at home except, of course, in respect of essential movements relating to seeking health services, to purchase and procure food and medicines and other critical services supplies.”
Only State and health workers and those who maintain key infrastructure such as power, water and sanitation, among others, will be exempted from the lockdown, Mnangagwa said.
“While our cases are low, this need not induce complacency on us. COVID-19 is now upon us. It can spread in leaps and bounds in so short a time,” Mnangagwa added.
