549 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 28th of September 2021, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 130 272 after 353 new cases, all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Mashonaland East with 85 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate as at 15:00hrs on 27th September 2021 was 113 hospitalised cases: 7 new admissions, 25 asymptomatic cases, 66 mild-to-moderate cases, 13 severe cases and 9 cases in Intensive Care Units.
Active cases went up to 3 036. The total number of recoveries went up to 122 621 increasing by 175 recoveries. The recovery rate remains at 94%. A total of 9 105 people received their 1st dose of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 3 060 476. A total of 17 430 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 2 229 310. The death toll went up to 4 615 after 8 new deaths were recorded.
Critical Emerging Issue
New Vaccination Cards/Passports Launched
We note the launch the new proof of vaccination cards by Government. We note that the new cards are electronically enabled and can be verified anywhere in the world, with enhanced security features.
This is a commendable shift from the handwritten cards currently being provided to vaccinated persons.
We note further that several vaccination centres are already issuing new cards.
We note further the instructions that vaccinated persons should approach their vaccination centres to secure replacement cards.
- We call for government to clarify if all vaccinated persons are eligible for the new cards, and whether it applied only to those who may need to travel.
- We call for upgrading of cards to the electronic ones for the already vaccinated persons to remain at no costs.
- We recommend complete replacement for all handwritten cards to eradicate the vice of counterfeit cards.
Outstanding issues
Increased social activities and non-compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures
We continue to note the growing practice of non-adherence to safety measures such as physical distancing, sanitization of workplaces, wearing of facemasks and regular temperature checks. Our networks have also raised concern over some commuter operators plying long-distance routes failing to maintain public health safety protocols such as physical distancing, and sanitization. This raises concern especially in a context where COVID-19 is quickly gaining ground in schools and tertiary institutions. We, therefore, worry that the complacency displayed by the public, businesses and employers may plunge the country into another wave of COVID-19.
- We applaud the recent efforts to enforcement agents to strengthening efforts to ensure adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures.
- We urge citizens to observe public health guidelines as they meet and interact in public places such as drinking spots and beerhalls.
- We continue to call for the strict implementation of public health safety protocols in the public transport system.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
