429 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 31st May 2021, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 38 961 after 17 new cases were reported, all are local cases and of which the highest case tally was recorded in Bulawayo with 5 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate as at 15:00hrs on the 30th of May 2021 were 62 hospitalised cases, 10 asymptomatic cases, 39 mild to moderate cases, 10 severe cases and 3 cases in Intensive Care Units. Active cases go up to 771. The total number of recoveries went up to 36 594 increasing by 3 recoveries. The recovery rate still remains at 94%. A total of 4 923 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 675 678. A total of 3 182 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 344 400. The death toll goes up by two death to 1 596.
Critical emerging issue
Third Wave of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe
We highlight the warning from Zimbabwean Health Experts over the past three days regarding the COVID-19 third wave that Zimbabwe is presently experiencing. We are fully aware of the COVID-19 fatigue that is like a malaise over Zimbabwe broadly. We highlight to the public and policy makers alike of the threat of high rates of infections currently underway and those coming through.
We highlight the growing infection with 113 new cases recorded on the 26th of the May, 35 cases on the 27th of May, 64 cases on the 28th of May, 15 cases on the 29th of and 11 cases of the 30th of May.
We are in the midst of the third wave. The curve is going up.
We remind both policy makers and the public alike that vaccination does not protect against infection of COVID-19 and urge vigilance in the strongest sense.
- We urge the increase in levels of preparedness in the community health centres – we call for direct support to access to COVID testing kits in communities.
- We call for increased direct support to central hospital both administratively and operationally in regard to the COVID-19 response which had de-escalated in light of the state of the curve.
- We call for increased support to medication stocks and oxygen stocks directly which have a significance on the capacity of the frontline health workers to respond to the crisis
- We call for increased and equitable support to the provision of PPE in healthcare centres and district taskforce teams in particular the tracing and testing teams on the ground.
Outstanding issues
Increased social activities and non-compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures
We continue to note an increase cases of COVID-19, and despite such increase we also continue to note the growing practice of non-adherence to safety measures such as physical distancing, wearing of facemasks and regular temperature checks by businesses. This raises concern especially in a context where there is anxiety over the possibility of a third wave outbreak. We therefore worry that such complacency displayed by the public, businesses and employers may plunge the country into another wave of COVID-19.
- We call upon enforcement agents to strengthen efforts to ensure adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures by the general public.
- We urge citizens to observe public health guidelines as they meet and interact in public places such as drinking spots and beer halls.
- We continue to call for the strict implementation of public health safety protocols in the public transport system.
- We urge businesses to continuously fumigate premises and workplaces for the safety of workers and patrons.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ)
