With Zimbabwean companies recently recording a number of Covid-19 cases and forced to shut shop, employers say they have issued a response control that will help save workers’ lives.

The country has so far recorded over 2000 cases, and some of these emerged as companies carried out routine testing.

Companies such as Econet, Star Africa Corporation, CIMAS and NMB have been affected.

Different employer representative organisations have come out with a number of suggestions as the country’s cases are nearing 2000, as employers begin to readjust to the rise in cases.

Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (ECZ) president Dr Israel Murefu said they have since issued a Covid-19 response protocol to their members and expect the empathetic handling of employees who test positive.

“We have issued an Employers Guide to Covid-19 management and response mechanisms which provide employers and businesses with guidelines on best practice and how to respond to a variety of challenges associated with the pandemic.

“These include working from remote sights, disaster recovery and working from home arrangements,” he said.

He said employers are obliged to provide whatever assistance is needed to ensure the employee gets the necessary treatment and therapy where necessary.

Government has led the way through trimming their workforce to only those classified as essential.

Earlier on Monday, the Covid-19 national taskforce resolved that only critical workers within Government continue to work while the rest of the civil service remains at home.