Zimbabwe has extended a nationwide curfew, banned gatherings and ordered non-essential businesses closed for a month in an attempt to curb a surge in coronavirus infections.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is additionally the health minister, said on Saturday a number of the tighter restrictions were effective immediately and included a 6pm to 6am curfew and a ban on inter-city travel.
From Tuesday, non-essential businesses would even be suspended, he said.
People must stay at home other than buying food and medicines or transporting sick relatives,” Chiwenga told a press conference .
The country had recorded 1,342 COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths in one week, the highest so far , he said.
“Only essential services are to stay open like hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets, with only essential staff allowed to return to work,” Chiwenga said, adding such services would have reduced hours and be subject to the night curfew.
Earlier on Saturday, government spokesman Nick Mangwana wrote on Twitter that “we are being overwhelmed and overrun by this virus”.
Chiwenga said aviation was still allowed, with arrivals and returning residents being required to present certificates showing themselves to be freed from COVID-19.
Zimbabwe first introduced a tough lockdown in March but had gradually eased the restrictions. it’s recorded a complete of 14,084 cases and 369 deaths.
Last week, the govt postponed the reopening of faculties planned for Monday thanks to a surge in coronavirus infections and a tropical storm that swept through the region.
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