The lockdown came to effect at the end of the week and involves restriction of movement as well as business operations. With borders closed, businessmen in the country fear worse losses than they are already suffering.
As of January 15, 2021 Zimbabwe had 25,365 confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and 636 deaths prompting more restrictions.
The lockdown means effective closure of what the country says are non-essential businesses and with it comes also the prohibition of large gatherings like weddings, parties and even religious events.
Issuing the announcement, Zimbabwe’s Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga said the government admits that there is a new Covid-19 outbreak and overwhelmed the country’s health institutions.
Chiwenga, who is also the Health Minister, said the lockdown also means a dusk-to-dawn curfew will be enforced. There is now a strict ban on bars, liquor stores, gymnasiums and restaurants while supermarkets and other businesses that are considered to provide essential services will be allowed to operate only between 8am and 3pm.
The Health Minister told journalists that the number of Covid-19 deaths and infections have doubled over the span of just a few weeks compared to the last figures in November.
“Fellow Zimbabweans, we have seen a surge in Covid-19 cases which have almost doubled in two months from 8 374 on November 1 to 14 084 to date,” Chiwenga told his countrymen via local media.
Under this new lockdown, gatherings at funerals is restricted to 30 people while other gatherings including at weddings, churches, bars, bottle stores, gymnasiums and restaurants are banned for 30 days.
Luckily, the ban does not however, affect commercial services, mining, manufacturing and agriculture which are expected to operate as usual.
Another exception is partial and affects schools. Under the lockdown, only students with exams will be allowed to go to school until further notice.
As for Zimbabweans returning to the country, they are required to either have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within the previous 48 hours or to get tested upon arrival and remain in a government holding facility while awaiting the results.
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US cautions citizens against travel to Zimbabwe
The US Department of State has advised its citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19 and in that advisory it singled out Zimbabwe.
“Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions. Even countries, jurisdictions, or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice,” reads the statement in part.
The statement has singled out Zimbabwe following the country’s own caution announcement.
Citing the Zimbabwe lockdown, the statement reads, “In response to increased COVID infections, the government instituted a new nationwide lockdown on January 5. Curfew is in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.”
Notable, international air travel is still permitted but it subject to testing requirement. On the other hand, international land travel and inter-provincial/inter-city travel are largely prohibited.
Further still, the government of Zimbabwe requires all new arrivals to the country to present a negative COVID-19 test result issued within the previous 48 hours. Meanwhile, there are no option for testing on the ground upon arrival of travelers.
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