664 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 21st of January 2022, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 227 961 after 266 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Masvingo with 52 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate data as at 15:00hrs on 20 January 2022, was: 119 hospitalised cases: 18 New Admissions, 8 Asymptomatic cases, 119 mild-to-moderate cases, 37 severe cases and 4 cases in Intensive Care Unit. A total of 5 988 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 4 234 364. A total of 7 662 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 3 262 246. A total of 4 489 people received their 3rd dose of vaccine shots bringing the cumulative for 3rd doses to 40 043. Active cases went down to 10 203. The recovery rate remains at 93%. The total number of recoveries went up to 212 470 increasing by 888 recoveries. The death toll went up to 5 288 after 8 deaths were recorded.
Critical Emerging Issue
Importance of Tracking, Monitoring and Reporting COVID-19 Variants
We continue to call for persistency and consistency in tracking, monitoring and sharing with the public the results of the genomic sequencing to trace COVID-19 variants of interest and variants of concern nationally. We continue to amplify reports from the local scientific community calling for the need to support research in genomic surveillance of COVID-19 positive cases among fully vaccinated individuals to determine the effectiveness against variants of interests and variants of concern. This monitoring is necessary to ensure tracking of vaccine efficacy in the face of the variants which can indeed nullify the gains of vaccines presently developed. Despite cases indicating a low number of international COVID-19 transmissions, we remain alive to the potential infection control implications of increased relaxation of COVID-19 regulations, increased socio-economic activities and increased traffic at our borders. The vigilance in regard to the potential variants of interest and variants of concern are a critical element in protecting the gains made thus far in the COVID-19 response.
- We call for the increased support into local research into genomic surveillance of COVID-19 positive cases among fully vaccinated individuals directly
- We call for publication of the results of COVID-19 variant tracking widely.
Outstanding Issue
By-Elections and Adherence to COVID-19 Safety Protocols
We continue to note various electoral activities by stakeholders in response of the Proclamation of March 26, 2022, as the date for By-Elections in Zimbabwe. We continue to underscore the importance of ensuring that citizens are afforded the opportunity to freely exercise their democratic right to vote, campaign and contest, while at the same time prioritising safety and protection from COVID-19.
- We urge the timeous publishing of a Guidance note from ZEC for guiding the electorate and candidates in order to ensure their safe and equal participation in the By-Elections during COVID-19.
- We urge political parties and other stakeholders to be alive to the challenging COVID-19 context, and to conduct their activities in preparation of the By-Elections, in a manner that does note plunge the country into another potential wave.
- We urge uniform enforcement of the COVID-19 Regulations, and equal treatment before the law for all citizens political parties and stakeholders during this period.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
