724 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 22nd March 2022, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 244 958 after 273 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Mashonaland East with 70 cases each. We note that the Hospitalisation rate data as at 15:00hrs on 21 March 2022, was: 33 hospitalised cases: 3 New Admissions, 1 Asymptomatic cases, 25 mild-to-moderate cases, 7 severe cases and 0 cases in Intensive Care Unit. 17 of the 33 hospitalized were vaccinated and 16 were not vaccinated. A total of 71 319 people received their 1st dose of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 4 500 045. A total of 3 970 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 3 447 802. A total of 8 121 people received their 3rd dose of vaccine shots bringing the cumulative for 3rd doses to 189 919. Active cases went up to 4 433. The recovery rate remains at 96%. The total number of recoveries went up to 235 093 increasing by 198 recoveries. The death toll went up to 5 432, after 3 new death was recorded. We commend the vaccination of 71 319 person in one day a remarkable feat in administering the of the first dose of the vaccine driven by the launch of the vaccination blitz on persons aged 12 to 15. vaccination blitz.
Area of Concern
COVID-19 Fatigue and By-Elections
We note, with the complacency that has set in among all layers of Zimbabwean society in regard to COVID19 measures. We mark concerns that as the socio-economic context has fully registered a largely 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 social distancing. 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 continue to call for the strict implementation of public health safety protocols as the Nation prepares for the By-Elections scheduled this coming Saturday.
- We urge continued support to community testing in places of localised outbreaks such as Mashonaland East Province.
Source: WCOZ
