629 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 17th of December 2021, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 189 567 after 3 263 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Harare with 709 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate data as at 15:00hrs on 16 December 2021, 358 hospitalised cases: 55 New Admissions, 26 Asymptomatic cases, 292 mild-to- moderate cases, 36 severe cases and 4 case in Intensive Care Units. A total of 15 454 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 4 038 467. A total of 18 463 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 3 053 655. Active cases went up to 50 707. The total number of recoveries went up to 134 801 increasing by 1 944 recoveries. The recovery rate remains at 71%. The death toll went up to 4 779 after 8 new deaths were recorded.
Critical Emerging Issue
Zimbabwe’s Spike of Rare Flue Cases
During COIVD-19 pandemic We amplify the matter pertaining to the number of cases of influenza which, during the COVID-19 Omicron driven increase in infections, may herald the potential prevalence of a new or different variant of COVID -19 in Zimbabwe. We are fully cognisant that in the absence of actual expanded support to test the presence of COVID-19 versus the prevalence of flue, the increased cases of “flue” will speculation. It is critical that science driven interventions must be supported to ensure that policy responses are appropriate and responsive to the context in communities in the fullest.
- We join calls to support expanded and sustained genomic sequencing In Zimbabwe.
- We reiterate the calls for increased COVID-19 testing.
- We continue the call for the support to ensure increased testing for COVID-19 nationally.
- We restate the need for increased serotesting in Zimbabwe.
Outstanding Issues
Harare Province Infections and Vaccinations
We are with concerned when consideration is given to the low vaccination rate of Harare at 40% 1st doses of the vaccine which is not progressive in stemming the spread of infections. We continue to decry the limited access to vaccination in the Metropolitan province which appears to be in direct contrast with the Bulawayo Metropolitan province which is currently at 57.6% 1st dose vaccination.
- We therefore call for a concrete plan of action to expand vaccination in Harare Province urgently.
- We call for specific provision of vaccination centres in residential areas/housing areas under development in order to ensure that under-serviced communities are not shut out of vaccination points.
- We reiterate our calls for the expansion of vaccination centres to shopping centres/malls and markets in the in the province.
- We recommend that vaccination centres be established at major transport inter-changes in and around the city.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
