674 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 31st of January 2022, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 229 666 after 206 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Manicaland with 42 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate data as at 15:00hrs on 30 January 2022, was: 45 hospitalised cases: 17 New Admissions, 5 Asymptomatic cases, 32 mild-to-moderate cases, 4 severe cases and 4 cases in Intensive Care Unit. A total of 2 933 people received their 1st doses of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 4 270 483. A total of 3 260 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 3 299 628. A total of 1 077 people received their 3rd dose of vaccine shots bringing the cumulative for 3rd doses to 56 458. Active cases went down to 4 914. The recovery rate remains at 95%. The total number of recoveries went up to 219 414 increasing by 1 081 recoveries. The death toll goes up to 5 338 after 1 death was recorded.
Area of Concern
COVID-19 fatigue among new restrictions
We note, with alarm the complacency that has set in among all layers of Zimbabwean society in regards to COVID-19 measures. We mark concerns as the socio-economic context is largely registering a return to normalcy in day-to-day socio-economic activities coupled with minimal enforcement practices and low recorded prevalence rates, it appears anti-COVID-19 measures have been abandoned. There is marked broad based trend of lack of urgency and complacency in adhering to face mask wearing, frequent sanitisation and keeping of distance. We note further that compounding the problem appears to be weak messaging to effect change of behaviour in fatigued citizens and communities.
- We call for fresh and invested messaging and public health communication to protect the gains made thus far.
- We call for full and human rights respectful, enforcement of lockdown measures in socio-economic institutions and centres including stores and markets.
- We continue to call for the strict implementation of public health safety protocols in the public transport.
- We call for continued support to community testing in places of localised outbreaks.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
