Zimbabwe Lockdown: Day 554 – WCOZ Situation Report

554 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 3rd of October 2021, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 131 129 after 35 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Masvingo and Mat North with 8 cases respectively. We note that the Hospitalisation rate as at 15:00hrs on 2 October 2021 was 61 hospitalised cases: 1 New Admissions, 11 Asymptomatic cases, 46 mild-to-moderate cases, 4 severe cases and 0 cases in Intensive Care Units.

Active cases went down to 2 715. The total number of recoveries went up to 123 787 increasing by 250 recoveries. The recovery rate remains at 94%. A total of 5 783 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 3 111 885. A total of 9 970 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 2 312 337. The death toll went up to 4 627 after 2 new deaths were recorded.

Critical Emerging Issue

Increased social activities and non-compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures

We continue to note increasing reports of COVID-19 outbreaks in schools. Furthermore, we note the growing practice of non-adherence to safety measures such as physical distancing, wearing of facemasks and regular temperature checks by businesses and citizens at large. We therefore worry that the growing numbers of COVID-19 outbreak in schools, coupled with such complacency displayed by the public, businesses and employers, the country may quickly plunge into another wave of COVID-19.

• We amplify our calls for meaningful and effective support in schools for curbing the spread 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.

Outstanding issues

Shortages of 2nd Dose of COVAXIN

We continue to highlight reports indicating shortages of the second doses of the COVAXIN for citizens who were vaccinated in May 2021. We highlight the undue stress, trauma, complete lack of support being experienced by this group of persons. Furthermore, we highlight the lack of information surrounding this issue as citizens report being sent pillar-to-post with inadequate information and confusing vaccination advice. As such, we are persistently alarmed at the zero to limited efforts being made to adequately inform and advise this group of citizens. We note that of the 75 000 pledged doses of COVAXIN, reports show that only 35 000 doses have been received thus far from the Government of India. The shortfall of 40 000 doses and delays in delivery, five months later may cause a stain on the vaccination program.

• We urge Government not to ignore this crisis and issue a public position directly addressing the plight of COVAXIN patients.
• We call for immediate release of medical advice to support citizens in having a substantive roadmap to securing their vaccination status, especially in the midst of blanket vaccination mandate, which is unable to cope with the reality of the Zimbabwe’s response to the pandemic on the ground.

Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe