Zimbabwe’s Government has extended operating hours for the retail, wholesale and service businesses from 8am -4.30pm to 6.30am – 6.30pm.
This is part of on going gradual measures to fully re-open the economy after the Covid-19 pandemic necessitated national lockdown, which was imposed from March 30, 2020.
Said Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa in an update today:
“As part of gradually opening the economy, Government has extended operation hours for the retail, wholesale and service businesses from 8am to 4.30pm to 6.30am – 6.30pm.”
Minister Mutsvangwa was speaking during a media brief after the Ad-hoc Inter Ministerial Taskforce on Covid-19 meeting.
“As we gradually open the economy, we need to remember that we are doing this, while taking all necessary precautions to fight the invisible enemy, Covid-19. The easing of lockdown restrictions is not an indication that we have defeated this pandemic, but we are a nation seeking to balance between our economic interests and the protection of life,” added the Minister.
The country’s retailers have commended the move.
“The move implemented by Government this week is in support of its plans to re-open the economy in a careful manner taking Covid -19 pandemic into consideration which is still in our midst,” said Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Denford Mutashu.
“CZR wishes to thank Government for taking a timely intervention on the matter following a submission of an application by CZR to authorities to that effect.
“All business stakeholders, consumers and the general public, while celebrating this move, should however remain vigilant in the fight against the invisible enemy, Covid-19 pandemic.”