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The government is extending the curfew, banning gatherings and shutting down non-essential businesses amid a surge in COVID-19 infections.
Zimbabwe has extended a nationwide curfew, banned gatherings and ordered non-essential businesses closed for a month in a bid to curb the surge in coronavirus infections.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is also health minister, said on Saturday some of the more stringent restrictions were in effect immediately and included a 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew and a ban on travel between cities .
From Tuesday, non-essential businesses would also be suspended, he said.
“People have to stay at home except to buy food and medicine or to transport sick relatives,” Chiwenga said at a press conference.
The country recorded 1,342 cases of COVID-19 and 29 deaths in one week, the highest to date, he said.
“Only essential services should remain open such as hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets, with only essential staff allowed to come to work,” Chiwenga said, adding that such services would have reduced hours and would be subject to curfew. nocturnal.
Earlier on Saturday, government spokesman Nick Mangwana wrote on Twitter that “we are overwhelmed and overwhelmed by this virus”.
Chiwenga said air travel was still permitted, with residents and returning residents required to present certificates indicating they were free from COVID-19.
Zimbabwe first introduced a severe lockdown in March, but has gradually eased restrictions. It has recorded a total of 14,084 cases and 369 deaths.
Last week, the government postponed the reopening of schools scheduled for Monday due to an upsurge in coronavirus infections and a tropical storm that swept through the region.
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