Stay Home This Easter, Zimbabweans Told

Takudzwa Chihambakwe

President Emmerson Mnangagwa says citizens should avoid unnecessary movement and gatherings during the Easter holidays.

Zimbabwe experienced a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases and deaths soon after the Christmas period, forcing the country to slide back into level four lockdown.

With cases having receded and the economy now open, there are fears of a third wave of infections.

President Mnangagwa told delegates at a Zanu-Pf politburo meeting earlier today that people should approach the forthcoming holidays with caution.

“As we approach the Easter Holidays, I exhort all of us to avoid unnecessary travels and gatherings.

The Covid-19 pandemic is still a reality,” said President Mnangagwa.

“Let us therefore remain alert and keep adhering to the World Health Organisation guidelines of wearing masks, washing of hands under running water or sanitisation and of course social distancing,” he added.

World Health Organisation country representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Alex Gasasira also urged caution.

“There is nothing new we have to do for Easter, we just need to continue doing the same things we have been doing all along. We need to ensure that we do not give the virus an opportunity to spread, that is the most important message.

“To those who are in the priority groups and can get vaccinated, they should do so. For the majority of us we need to continue strictly complying with the measures that the Government, The Ministry of Health, as well as the WHO have been recommending.”