POLICE have arrested more than 1 500 people across the
country since the 21-lockdown started on Monday for defying rules and
regulations stipulated under the directive which was put in place to minimise
the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi told Sunday News that as of yesterday afternoon, 1 516 people had been
arrested for various offences related to failure to observe rules and
regulations related to the lockdown.
Asst Comm Nyathi said despite the arrests, the general
public has responded well in taking heed of the call to stay at home during the
lockdown period.
“From the first day up to today (yesterday) we have
arrested a total of 1 516 for various offences throughout the country which
include the issue of operating shebeens, traffic offences and people who are
trying to open bars yet they are no exception. We also have some businesses
that are trying to open when they should not be opened,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the public was also failing to
observe social distancing.
“People are also not observing the issue of social
distancing and we are saying people must observe social distancing guidelines
as given by the Government,” he said.
Social distancing or physical distancing is a set of
non-pharmaceutical interventions or measures taken to prevent the spread of a
contagious disease by maintaining a physical distance between people and
reducing the number of times people come into close contact with each other.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the public was also failing to stay
indoors.
“People should also stay indoors, we have had a challenge
of people who are moving around without reason. Some are driving and some are
walking on the streets particularly after 5pm. We are asking those people to
stay indoors and observe safety measures,” he said.
A survey around Bulawayo revealed a different picture from
the day the lockdown commenced. The streets were generally empty with a few
worming queues of people at grocery stores seeking basic commodities. Security
details at supermarkets were ensuring that shoppers maintained social
distancing as they queued to access groceries and other goods. Pharmacies that
initially announced that they would operate until 10pm changed their operating
times and were closing shop at 3pm.
Several fast food outlets were generally closed save for a
number that operated from morning and closed in the afternoon.
Commuter omnibuses were also off the streets following a
Government directive to have only recommended transport operators on the roads.
Law enforcers were also visible both in the CBD and residential areas ensuring
that people were observing the lockdown and staying indoors. Sunday News
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