BEITBRIDGE Border Post temporarily closed for
decontamination yesterday after five employees of the Zimbabwe Revenue
Authority (Zimra) tested positive for COVID-19, amid unconfirmed reports that
the cases had risen to 12.
Zimra spokesperson Francis Chimanda confirmed the
development, but insisted that only five workers had been infected.
“You may have heard the border will close between 2pm and
8pm,” he said.
In an earlier statement, Chimanda urged Zimra staff
countrywide to remain vigilant and outlined measures by his organisation to
curb the spread of COVID-19 at its offices, inland ports and borders.
“The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority is aware that due to the
positioning of our offices, inland and border stations, there is a need to
remain vigilant in observing and practising procedures that reduce the high
risk of exposure to COVID-19,” he said.
“In the interest of safeguarding employees, clients and the
public as directed by the guidelines from the World Health Organisation, the
Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimra is implementing measures to mitigate
the likely impact and risks of this viral threat to operations and human life.”
“Where practical, Zimra stations and offices maintain
critical skeleton staff who are being provided with appropriate personal
protective equipment and sanitisers,” Chimanda said.
Zimra has of late reduced human to human interactions and
services are, as much as possible, being offered to stakeholders via electronic
platforms.
“Zimra encourages everyone to put their health and safety
first at all times while remembering that responsible behaviour at an
individual level will help safeguard us all,” he said.
Zimra has already lost top official Thabani Sibanda who
succumbed to coronavirus resulting in the closure of the Chiredzi offices where
he had interacted with staff during a workshop just before he passed on.
In a related development, Manicaland Provincial Affairs
minister Ellen Gwaradzimba yesterday said 36 civil servants stationed at the
government complex in Mutare had also tested positive for COVID-19.
“Yes, there were 94 who were tested at government complex,
36 tested positive, and other results are still coming, we have taken measures
to disinfect the entire complex,” she said, adding that they employees were
self-isolating at home. Newsday
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