Updating the nation on the country’s Covid-19 response and
containment measures at State House in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa
warned against unnecessary travel and large gatherings over the festive period.
The country, said the President, was staring at losing out
on the gains made in containing a widespread outbreak of the coronavirus if
Zimbabweans continue to disregard Covid-19 containment measures that include
enforcement of physical distancing and wearing face coverings.
Zimbabwe has recorded 12 047 cases of the coronavirus since
the beginning of the pandemic, with 316 people having died from the contagion.
The country has witnessed a spike in new infections over
the last month, with 3 218 new cases having been recorded between November 16
and December 18.
“While a vaccine is the ultimate preventative measure, it
is not yet available to us just yet,” said the President.
“Preparations for the deployment of vaccines, once
approved, are however, in progress guided by two national preparedness
assessments conducted in October and November 2020.
“Zimbabwe will only roll out vaccines that have been
analysed and found to be effective and safe for our population.”
He said Zimbabwe was party to the World Health
Organisation-led Global Access Facility — Covax — which plans to secure and
distribute millions of doses of the vaccine to developing countries, once
licensed and approved.
The initiative, which seeks to secure at least 220 million
doses, will enable the fast and equitable distribution of the vaccines.
Provisionally, the WHO distribution mechanism seeks to
proportionally allocate doses until all countries have enough doses to cover 20
percent of their population. “The WHO, working with other global immunisation
partners, has come up with a Covid-19 Global Access Facility (Covax).
“This is designed to accelerate the development and
manufacture of safe, effective Covid-19 vaccines in order to guarantee rapid,
fair and equitable access to vaccines for all countries.
“Zimbabwe is participating in the facility. In addition to
this, Zimbabwe is also participating in clinical trials and vaccine research to
ensure that the country’s decision is guided by local science.”
President Mnangagwa said gains made when the country
initially introduced Covid-19 containment measures are being reversed as a
result of increasing failure to adhere to the measures by Zimbabweans.
He said local transmissions have become the main source of
infections since July. “Some of the reasons for the increase in new cases are
as follows: a lot of people not wearing face masks anymore;
“Large gatherings with participants not adhering to
recommended preventative measures such as social distancing. The country has
recently witnessed large gathering at funerals and other social events where
there was no social distancing;“Monitoring visits by the Inter-Ministerial Task
Force and others have clearly shown that most people, institutions and the
general public, are no longer strictly adhering to recommended preventative
measures. Such complacency and recklessness are therefore a big concern to us.”
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was staring at losing out
on the gains made in containing a widespread outbreak of the coronavirus if the
country were to allow complacency to take root.
“The biggest concern and danger to our national response is
the fact that people are not complying with the current Covid-19 restrictions
and preventive measures,” he said.
“Today, I am urging you all to do the right thing: – wear a
face mask to protect yourself and those around you.”
Government, said the President, was guided by the findings
of a recent Intra Action Review in strengthening the national Covid-19 response
by improving surveillance systems, including testing, quarantine, isolation and
contact tracing.
“Government is also increasing awareness campaigns on
public health measures and Covid-19 orders and restrictions to enable
communities to take ownership.
“Let us bear in mind that Government response alone is not
enough without the meaningful participation of communities.
“Individuals and communities must take ownership, change
behaviours and follow all the recommended preventative measures. “This is the
only way that will see our country win against the pandemic.
“If we successfully stop the spread of this virus, we will
be in a better position to also address the many economic challenges and
impacts that this disease has caused.”
President Mnangagwa called for responsibility during the
festive season. He said people must only travel when necessary and avoid
gathering in large numbers.
“It is, however, important that we avoid any unnecessary
travel and gatherings and that we enjoy ourselves responsibly.
“If, however, you must travel or gather, let us be vigilant
and ensure that all Covid-19 restrictions are adhered to. All gatherings must
be kept small in line with the Covid-19 restrictions.”
President Mnangagwa said the Covid-19 National Preparedness
and Response Strategic Plan, which was unveiled at the onset of the contagion
in Zimbabwe, remains in place and continues to guide the national response.
“On co-ordination, my Government introduced the Cabinet
Inter-Ministerial Task Force that gave the national response the required
highest level leadership,” he said. “The Task Force, through its subcommittees,
works with the public and private sector.
“In addition to the Task Force, my Government also
introduced the Experts Advisory Committee, which works closely with the
National Chief Co-ordinator, Dr Agnes Mahomva, for a scientifically rooted
response.”
The President paid tribute to all frontline health care
workers who are leading the fight against Covid-19. Sunday Mail
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