GOVERNMENT has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to
South Africa until the neighbouring country is safe from coronavirus (Covid-19)
to minimise the risk of exposure.
Seven South Africans have so far tested positive for the
coronavirus, bringing the virus closer to home. So far, no positive case of
coronavirus has been recorded in Zimbabwe.
Globally more than 100 000 people have so far tested
positive for Covid-19 which has killed more than 3 700 across worldwide.
The virus has been recorded in nine countries on the continent
Senegal, Tunisia, Togo, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa and
Egypt which has the highest number of cases and first death in Africa.
A number of travel-associated cases of coronavirus have
been identified in other countries. Early this month, President Mnangagwa
restricted international travel, especially outside Africa, while civil
servants were banned from foreign trips as Government takes measures to
minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
Many Zimbabweans work in South Africa and thousands travel
there for business.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Judith Ncube has
since urged residents to avoid unnecessarily crossing the border to the
neighbouring country in the face of reported cases in the neighbouring country.
“As Bulawayo we first have to observe that this coronavirus
is there, it’s very real. We should take precautionary measures that have been
laid down by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. We should wash our hands,
avoid shaking hands among other things. We should also minimise on our
travelling to the neighbouring country as part of measures to ensure that we
remain safe from the virus. It is my prayer that the virus does not reach
Zimbabwe,” said Minister Ncube.
She discouraged people from illegally crossing the border
especially along Limpopo River as they will not be screened for the virus.
A report that was tabled in Parliament last week by
chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence, Home Affairs and
Security Services, Retired Brigadier-General Levi Mayihlome said a total of 16
187 had been arrested for illegal crossing into South Africa from January to
June 2019.
The committee said this is a significant number and it can
be quantified that on average 1 350 people are being arrested on a monthly
basis for illegally crossing into South Africa.
The Immigration Department at Beitbridge Border Post told
our sister paper Sunday News over the weekend there has not been any
significant changes in the number of people leaving or entering the country.
The department said they were clearing an average of 6 500
travellers and 70 buses, both entries and exits daily.
It also encouraged travellers to adhere to screening
procedures at the port of entry.
Zimbabwe Ambassador to South Africa David Hamadziripi said
travellers should always use designated ports of entry as opposed to border
jumping.
“In all circumstances whether there is an infection alert
of this nature or under normal health conditions. We will always be against
border jumping because that consists violations of laws for both Zimbabwe and
South Africa. Those who intend to travel to South Africa should use the
designated border posts,” said Mr Hamadziripi.
He urged calm among Zimbabweans living in South Africa.
Mr Hamadziripi implored them to follow news updates from
authourities on the virus as the neighbouring country is dealing with the
virus.
“South Africa has
been issuing bulletins and information on the evolution of proved cases of
infection but also measures that are being taken to prevent further cases. For
Zimbabweans in the neighbouring country it is recommended that they actually
follow the bulletins and advisories that are being issued by the South African
competent authorities right from the Minister of Health himself and other
agencies that are involved in this effort to contain the spread of the virus,
presently they have announced seven cases,” said Ambassador Hamadziripi.
“There is no need to panic because certainly here in South
Africa and I could say in Zimbabwe as well. The Governments are taking all the
necessary measures to inform the public to take necessary measures to prevent
the spread of any infection. So, there is no need for any panic. Otherwise if
we panic, we upset the entire system and structures that are put in place to
ensure the health of everyone.”
Meanwhile, In Bulawayo, rapid response teams have been
activated to deal with the virus, with the city council run Thorngrove
Infectious Diseases Hospital expected to handle suspected cases in the southern
part of the country.
Council’s senior
public relations officer Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said the municipality was working
closely with Government departments among other stakeholders to ensure the
region is to ready to handle any reported case.
“The city has a rapid response team responsible for
following up reported incidents. Health education is offered during contact
sessions with the travelers. Training on COVID-19 for health workers in the
council has been conducted and this will be cascaded to other stakeholders.
This is to ensure that all service providers are equipped with skills on
screening of travellers to identify and separate likely from unlikely cases and
effect appropriate management,” said Mrs Mpofu. Chronicle
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