THE Government has extended permitted businesses to operate
any time between 6.30am to 6.30pm as part of a delicate process to balance the
economy and respond to the Covid-19 threat, Information, Publicity and
Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa announced last night.
Most businesses do not operate 12 hours a day, but the
change allows those that want to close later than 4.30pm to do so and also
allows those that want to open earlier than 8am to do so.
Despite the continued easing of restrictions, the Ad-hoc
Inter Ministerial Taskforce on Covid-19 insisted that Zimbabwe was not out of
the woods as yet in its fight against the pandemic which has so far infected 7
531 people and killed 224 as yesterday.
“As part of gradually opening the economy, Government has
extended operation hours for the retail, wholesale and service businesses from
8am to 4.30pm to 6.30am – 6.30pm,” said Minister Mutsvangwa in her media brief
after the Ad-hoc Inter Ministerial Taskforce on Covid-19 meeting.
“As we gradually open the economy, we need to remember that
we are doing this, while taking all necessary precautions to fight the
invisible enemy, Covid-19. The easing of lockdown restrictions is not an
indication that we have defeated this pandemic, but we are a nation seeking to
balance between our economic interests and the protection of life,” she said.
With the continued progress in reopening of the economy,
which includes schools and the tourism sector, Minister Mutsvangwa said the
Government was putting in place measures to contain the pandemic in the event
that the infection curve rises.
The Government would continue to make preparations of
health facilities so as to be able to cope with any potential spike in
infections, she said.
Local businesses have responded to the Covid-19 contagion
by rolling out production of locally-manufactured personal protection equipment
and drugs. The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and a local company have begun
manufacturing swabs required for collecting Covid-19 samples. The swabs have
been submitted to the Ministry of Health and Child Care and to Natpharm for
quality assurance tests.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the Government was working on
resumption of operations at Victoria Falls International Airport with staff training.
“The readiness of other ports of entry is under assessment
and the nation will be advised,” she said.
Meanwhile, chief coordinator of the National Response to
Covid-19 Dr Agnes Mahomva explained that a person can be declared negative if
they are asymptomatic for two-weeks, and they do not necessarily need another
test.
“When one is positive today, they do not necessarily need
to get another test and another third test to be declared recovered if you are
not symptomatic for 10 days, in our case its two weeks. If the two weeks are up
without symptoms, you can go back and resume your work without testing.”
“As long as we have new cases, it is clear that we are not
out of the woods yet. I am delighted that in the last Cabinet meeting, they
specifically adopted a team of experts for guidance,” said Dr Mahomva.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association president
Mr Denford Mutashu commended the Government for extending operating hours,
saying as business they would continue adhering to WHO guidelines of operating
in a safe environment.
“Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers applauds the
President, Cabinet and entire Government for proving that it is indeed a
listening Government. Our application
for extension of operating hours and reopening of alcoholic beverages outlets
was listened to. As business we will also continue to put in place measures
that we operate in accordance to WHO guidelines and continue promoting the
safety of our customers.”
Mr Mutashu said the extension of operating hours would go a
long way in helping to revive the economy, buoyed by the forex auction system
that has stabilised the exchange rate and restored confidence on pricing and
productivity. Herald
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