Zimbabwe Lockdown: Day 555 – WCOZ Situation Report

555 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 4th of October 2021, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 131 205 after 76 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Manicaland with 32 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate as at 15:00hrs on 3 October 2021 was 66 hospitalised cases: 0 New Admissions, 10 Asymptomatic cases, 39 mild-to-moderate cases, 15 severe cases and 2 cases in Intensive Care Units.

Active cases went down to 2 631. The total number of recoveries went up to 123 947 increasing by 160 recoveries. The recovery rate remains at 94%. A total of 6 101 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 3 117 895. A total of 10 525 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 2 322 862. We are happy to note that the death toll still stands at 4 627 as no death was recorded.

We note the latest Cabinet announcement that all licenced bars may now open to fully vaccinated clients Furthermore, we note the extension of the Level 2 lockdown by 2 more weeks. We continue to urge compliance with safety protocols and COVID-19 regulations to ensure minimizing risk of exposure and transmission of COVID-19.

Critical Emerging Issue

Expansion of Vaccination Drive

We note that since the rollout of the National Vaccination Programme, a total of 13 243 200 vaccine doses have been received in Zimbabwe. We further continue to call to attention, concerns regard to limited access to vaccines by mining, agricultural and trading communities We highlight the expanded housing settlements and communities across the country which are underserviced in terms of clinics and health centres. We note that as a result, these communities do not have easily accessible points to get vaccinated. Therefore,

• We amplify the need for expansion of vaccination to artisanal miners and mining communities.
• We recommend for mobile vaccination points at both food and non-food traders’ markets.
• We continue to call for vaccination points to be established in rural resettlement communities and in new housing development communities.

Outstanding issues

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.

Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe