Zim’s Covid-19 Recovery Rate Rises

Mirirai Nsingo

Zimbabwe’s Covid-19 recovery rate now stands at 78 percent, 12 percent above the global average and six percent above the African continent average.

Neighbouring South Africa has one of the highest recovery rates on the continent, standing at 85 percent.

Health and Child Care deputy minister Dr John Mangwiro told ZTN that while the high recovery rate is welcome, Zimbabweans should not let their guard down.

“I encourage all Zimbabweans to continue observing the recommended preventive measures, which include social distancing, hand washing with soap and water or with an alcohol based sanitizer and practice good cough etiquette.

“Those with flu-like symptoms should self-isolate and seek medical attention where necessary,” he said.

To date there are 6 412 reported Covid-19 cases in Zimbabwe and 5 061 people have since recovered from the virus.

World Health Organisation country representative Dr Alex Gasasira added that there is no room for complacency even in the face of the high recovery rate, noting that 20 percent of the infected are likely to die.

“What we are witnessing in Zimbabwe about recovery is just similar to what Africa is experiencing. Not all those infected with Covid-19 will go down with severe illness, 80 percent will just be mild and are likely to recover.

“But it is the 20 percent that we should never be complacent about, as we have those especially with other underlying conditions who are likely to succumb to the virus.

“There is need to continue observing the recommended preventive measures so that we reduce transmission as much as possible.”

Dr Gasasira said the high rate of local transmission in Zimbabwe is a sign of complacency especially in communities, hence the need to remain vigilant.