587 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 5 th of November 2021, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 133 146 after 34 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Matebeleland South with 15 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate as at 15:00hrs on 4 November 2021 stood at 40 hospitalised cases: 0 New Admissions, 10 Asymptomatic cases, 26 mild-to-moderate cases, 4 severe cases and 0 cases in Intensive Care Units. A total of 10 258 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 3 355 567. A total of 8 340 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 2 633 937. Active cases went up to 552. The total number of recoveries went up to 127 909 increasing by 33 recoveries. The recovery rate remains at 96%. The death toll remains at 4 685, as there was no new death recorded.
Critical Emerging Issue
Non adherence to social distancing and other public health guidelines
Noting growing patterns on non-compliance with public health and safety protocols such as social distancing and sanitisation. This has been recorded nationwide, including service providers such as the ZUPCO buses and other buses not operating under ZUPCO, food outlets particularly and other businesses, where there appears to be a relaxation regarding constant disinfection of workspaces.
- We therefore remind businesses, service providers and the general populace that wearing masks alone is not the panacea to curbing the spread of the pandemic. This measure should be supported with actions such as social and physical distancing, disinfecting work spaces and use of hand sanitizers.
- In the same breadth, we urge Government, Civil Society organisations and stakeholders to raise awareness on the WHO updated guidelines for proper use of masks.
Outstanding issues
Stigma and discrimination Reports from our networks continue to highlight an increase in social stigma and discriminatory behaviours against people diagnosed with COVID-19 and those perceived to have been in contact with the virus, including health care personnel. We note that such stigma may undermine social cohesion and drive people to hide the illness in order to avoid discrimination. This may result in the disease likely spreading as people fail to seek immediate medical attention.
- We therefore recommend that stakeholders, community leaders and Government, intensify efforts in meaningfully engaging at the community level, with citizens, including people who have recovered from COVID-19, with their consent, to lead in increasing awareness and reducing stigma and discrimination.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
