704 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 2nd March 2022, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 237 503 after 632 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Manicaland with 188 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate data as at 15:00hrs on 1st March 2022, was: 65 hospitalised cases: 13 New Admissions, 11 Asymptomatic cases, 47 mild-to-moderate cases, 6 severe cases and 1 case in Intensive Care Unit. A total of 2 870 people received their 1st dose of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 4 364 434. A total of 2 519 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 3 399 453. A total of 3 991 people received their 3rd dose of vaccine shots bringing the cumulative for 3rd doses to 130 459. Active cases went up to 5 099. The recovery rate remains at 96%. The total number of recoveries went up to 227 008 increasing by 276 recoveries. The death toll rose to 5 396, after 1 new death was recorded.
Area of Concern
Reduced media coverage of COVID-19
We note, with growing concern, reduced media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe, as there seem to be an increasing prioritisation of electoral news coverage. We highlight that successful containment of COVID-19 requires adequate community awareness-raising and for the media at large remain vigilant of the pandemic. We further note the COVID-19 fatigue not only amongst communities, but also amongst stakeholders, duty bearers, the media and information community. Cognisant of the key role played by the media in addressing matters of national concern;
- We call upon the media to remain vigilant to the pandemic in Zimbabwe.
- We call upon the editors and respective newsrooms to continue to prioritise the coverage and reporting of COVID-19 as we face difficulties in navigating the curve of infections.
- We urge robust grassroots information dissemination on the booster shots/third vaccine rollout.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
