588 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 6 th of November 2021, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 133 168 after 22 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Masvingo with 7 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate as at 15:00hrs on 5 November 2021 stood at 40 hospitalised cases: 3 New Admissions, 8 Asymptomatic cases, 27 mild-to-moderate cases, 5 severe cases and 0 cases in Intensive Care Units. A total of 8 212 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 3 363 779. A total of 8 455 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 2 642 392. Active cases went down to 457. The total number of recoveries went up to 128 026 increasing by 117 recoveries. The recovery rate remains at 96%. The death toll remains at 4 685, as there was no new death recorded. We note that this is the second consecutive day with no recorded cases in ICU and no recorded COVID-19 deaths.
Critical Emerging Issue
Non Availability of New Vaccination Cards/Passports
We note with growing concern the lack of new vaccination cards at vaccine centres. Our networks continue to note that seeking for replacement of old cards or finding a centre issuing new electronic and tamper proof vaccine cards three months post launch is still very difficult. We note that the new cards are electronically enabled and can be verified anywhere in the world. We note the enhanced security features characterising the new cards. This is a commendable shift from the handwritten cards currently being provided to vaccinated persons. We note further the instructions that vaccinated persons should approach their vaccination centres to secure replacement cards. ? We call for publication of a list indicating where new vaccination cards are being issued to those persons who may require them s freedom of movement globally is increasingly being restored. ? We call for government to clarify if all vaccinated person are eligible for the new cards or those who may need to travel.
- We call for replacement of cards to remain at no costs to the vaccinated persons.
- We call for the complete replacement for all handwritten cards to eradicate the vice of fake cards.
Outstanding issues
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.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
