715 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 13th March 2022, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 242 515 after 158 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Mashonaland West with 34 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate data as at 15:00hrs on 12 March 2022, was: 57 hospitalised cases: 3 New Admissions, 7 Asymptomatic cases, 44 mild-to-moderate cases, 6 severe cases and 0 cases in Intensive Care Unit. A total of 1 517 people received their 1st dose of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 4 394 336. A total of 1 413 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 3 426 112. A total of 1 556 people received their 3rd dose of vaccine shots bringing the cumulative for 3rd doses to 159 628. Active cases went down to 4 896. The recovery rate remains at 96%. The total number of recoveries went up to 232 205 increasing by 505 recoveries. The death toll remained at 5 414, after 0 new deaths were recorded.
Area of Concern
Transport crisis and its intersection with women and girls’ rights and COVID-19
We amplify the transport crisis and its intersection with women and girls’ rights and COVID-19. We note with concern the recent rapid and sharp increases in fuel prices have had on the transport sector in particular the impact on the ZUPCO bus services which are incredibly strained and grossly inadequate to meet the needs for the commuting public. The recent limitation on availability of ZUPCO buses due to fuel price increases places even greater strain on the availability of buses when already the crisis of unmet transport needs is so great. The weak fabric of the mass public transit system has devastating effects on infection control for COVID-19, but also on the safety and security of women and girls. This has been particularly the case, especially as there are growing complaints of the laxity of COVID-19 control measures on the available buses due to rising demand. In addition, it has been noted that the bus pick-up points and stations are persistently characterised by overcrowding with no social distancing and public sanitisation support measures. Furthermore, we continue to decry bus shortages and delays in transit times which consequently is placing communities and women directly in the face of mshika mshika where incidents of rape and other forms sexual offences are becoming rampant.
- We therefore recommend the introduction of women-only taxis and buses, so as not only to improve the accessibility of public transport, but also to ensure the safety and security of women and girls in the public transport system.
- We urge strict enforcement of public health-guidelines and health protocols in the public transport system.
Source: Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
