671 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 28th of January 2022, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 229 333 after 237 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Masvingo with 46 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate data as at 15:00hrs on 27 January 2022, was: 57 hospitalised cases: 3 New Admissions, 2 Asymptomatic cases, 47 mild-to-moderate cases, 6 severe cases and 2 cases in Intensive Care Unit. A total of 6 281 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 4 263 080. A total of 5 458 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 3 291 261. A total of 4 756 people received their 3rd dose of vaccine shots bringing the cumulative for 3rd doses to 53 722. Active cases went down to 7 073. The recovery rate rises to 95%. The total number of recoveries went up to 217 355 increasing by 656 recoveries. The death toll went up to 5
333 after 9 deaths were recorded.
Area of Concern
Re-Opening of Schools
We note the announcement of the Cabinet approval of the re-opening of schools and other learning institutions on the 7th of February 2022. • We call upon Government to strengthen the improvement of water and sanitation infrastructure and services to schools across the country.
- We call upon Government to expedite the provision of masks and other PPE’s to Schools in readiness of resumption of the education sector in advance of opening.
- We call for a moratorium of fee increases which have serves to exacerbate abate the ability of student to return to schools due to the inability to afford the fee increases.
- Furthermore, we call for publication of Schools Assessment Reports this is critical to give confidence to schools, parents, and communities.
- In the Back-to-School environment, we urge parents, guardians, communities, business sector including transport, school supply stores to adhere to COVID 19 regulations and safety protocols.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
