BUSINESS REPORTER
All returning residents and visitors have to undergo PCR testing and will be quarantined at own cost as Zimbabwe enhances measures following the discovery of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, in neighbouring countries.
The variant, classified by the World Health Organisation as a variant of concern, has seen countries imposi measures after it was discovered by South African scientist last week.
Announcing the new measures Tuesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said notwithstanding the measures put in place to contain Covid-19, government had noticed complacency creeping in with individuals lowering their guard. The worrisome complacency is likely to get worse as the festive season approaches, he said.
Mnangagwa said the outbreak of Omicron compounds the burden “we already face and shoulder from known variants we have been grappling since the outbreak of the pandemic
“All returning residents and visitors have to undergo PCR testing, and will be quarantined, at own cost, for days recommended by WHO, even if they present negative PCR test results from elsewhere,” he said.
A daily curfew, running from 9pm to 6am, will be imposed to limit movement and hence transmission. Only essential services categories announced in previous gazettes stand exempt.
All shops will open for business from 0700hrs and will close for business by 1900hrs.
Mnangagwa said no liquor will be consumed at bottle stores, which consequently cease to be drinking premises until further notice, night clubs and bars will admit vaccinated clients only and that all those eligible for Covid-19 vaccination are being called upon to get vaccinated.
The measures will reviewed after 14 days.
