740 days of the COVID-19 Lockdown, and as of 7 April 2022, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 246 870 after 67 new cases all local cases, were recorded. The highest case tally was recorded in Matebeleland North with 10 cases. We note that the Hospitalisation rate data as at 15:00hrs on 6 April 2022, was: 19 hospitalised cases: 0 New Admissions, 3 Asymptomatic cases, 13 mild-to-moderate cases, 0 severe cases and 3 cases in Intensive Care Unit. 7 of the 19 hospitalized were vaccinated and 12 were not vaccinated. A total of 12 813 people received their 1st dose of vaccine. The cumulative number of the 1st dose vaccinated now stands at 5 624 699. A total of 2 851 recipients received their second dose bringing the cumulative number of 2nd dose recipients to 3 577 959. A total of 9 465 people received their 3rd dose of vaccine shots bringing the cumulative for 3rd doses to 506 425. Active cases went down to 1 831. The recovery rate remained at 97%. The total number of recoveries went up to 239 584 increasing by 458 recoveries. The death toll went up to 5 455, after 2 new deaths were recorded.
Area of Concern
Rural Communities Abandon Mask Wearing
We highlight the rampant low adherence to mask wearing in the Zimbabwean countryside. We highlight the realities that communities carry mask and wear mask upon entry into urban and peri- urban communities to avoid the risks of incurring fines but not for the purposes of infection control which has been lost, we note that combination of low cases of COVID-19 at present require a reconsideration of the mandatory mask wearing mandate. As we note the significant relaxation of COVID-19 regulations, we continue to await the announcement regarding mask wearing which is now glaring in its absence.
- We remind Government that COVID-19 regulations can be strengthened as is necessary regarding our national context but that regulations must not fuel adherence fatigue.
- We therefore urge a review of the COVID-19 regulations pertaining to limitations in gatherings, mask wearing, etc.
Source: WCoZ
