The Zimbabwe Government has announced the resumption of intercity travel as it continues to gradually re-open the economy following the Covid-19 necessitated lockdown.

The latest development sees locals being able to travel between cities, which will nake effective earlier measures to restart tourism activity across the country, as well as the resumption of examination classes.

Said Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa in a post-Cabinet briefing:

“Cabinet further approved the resumption of inter-city travel to facilitate the smooth movement of examination candidates, citizens and visitors.

“Transporters who wish to ferry passengers should register with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to ensure that they strictly comply with Standard Operating Procedures for their sector which are compliant to the WHO guidelines and all COVID-19 regulations.

“In support of this service, the Vehicle Inspection Department should also resume its services. All employees in the Tourism Sector should comply with the COVID-19 regulations as is done in all the other approved services.  Only international travelers are required to provide a 48 hour negative COVID-19 certificate.”

Government also said that in order to facilitate access to critical documentation from Central Registry during the COVID-19 induced lockdown, Cabinet has approved that the Central Registry should reopen and offer services, such as the issuance of births and death certificates, national registrations as well as passports.

“Measures are being put in place to ensure that operations at Central Registry offices which are usually characterized by overcrowding are in line with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and WHO protocols in order to curtail the transmission of COVID-19,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Meanwhile, Cabinet has further authorised the partial reopening of the Department of Immigration, Client Service Centre for the purpose of processing short-term investor work and student permits, issue visas at ports of entry and resume enforcement operations through the compliance section.

And the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe will be opened to allow visitors access to National Monuments that include the National Heroes Acre and National History Museum.