Zimbabwe’s authorities have postponed the re-opening of schools – which were initially penciled to resume next Monday – by an additional two weeks as assessments are made over the direction of the current “third wave”.

Addressing the media during a post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said:

“In view of the regional and local upsurge of cases, the nation is informed that Cabinet approved that the reopening of schools and other learning institutions be delayed by 14 days.

“Government will be monitoring the
situation and a review would be made after two weeks.”

According to official figures, as at June 21, 2021, Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 41 449, with 37 184 recoveries and 1 672 deaths. The recovery rate stands at 89.7%, with 95.6% of COVID-19 positive cases being attributable to local transmission.

The number of active cases stands at 2 923.

Localized lockdown extended

Minister Mutsvangwa also said Cabinet had approved the extension of localized lockdown to emerging hotspots around the country.

“Cabinet further approved the localized lockdown in the following hotspot areas: in Mashonaland West Karoi; Makonde; Chinhoyi; Mhangura;
Chidamwoyo; Magunje; Chirundu; in Bulawayo Nkulumane(Bulawayo);
Emakhandeni and Northern Surburbs in Mashonaland Central Mount Darwin and in Masvingo, Chiredzi,” she said.

“The nation is informed that there would be a joint security blitz to enforce the recently promulgated COVID-19 prevention and control measures, especially in the designated hot spots.

“Furthermore, border security and surveillance at ports of entry is being strengthened.”