Zimbabweans should not be tempted to gather as they celebrate the impending 41st Independence anniversary on April 18 but should instead, uphold the measures put in place by Government and World Health Organisation’s Covid-19 protocols, President Mnangagwa has cautioned.
This comes as Zimbabwe has registered a spike in
infections, with 11 deaths and 236 cases in the last seven days, the highest such figures in six
weeks. At least 15 schools countrywide
had some of their students and teachers testing positive after failing to heed
the Presidential order to desist from going back home during the Easter
Holidays.
President Mnangagwa poses some questions with Sunday Mail
Editor Victoria Ruzvidzo (left) and ZBC Head Television Production Merit
Munzwembiri during an interview in Harare yesterday. Picture: Justin Mutenda
In an interview at State House in Harare yesterday, the
President said although Zimbabweans were in a festive mood as Independence
commemorations draw closer, it would be unfortunate were they to throw caution
out the window.
“Whereas I would love to see our population, our people
revelling day and night celebrating this freedom, this independence which gives
our people dignity and self-determination, but because of the Covid-19
conditions I appeal to our people to restrain from massive gatherings. Let them
observe the measures we have put in place.
“The WHO protocols must be observed. For instance just now
as a result of this Easter that has passed again there is a spike going on now.
“I would not encourage our people to assemble in huge
groups, let us take these measures and preserve the lives of ourselves, our
beloved ones and everyone’s life. It is
important. Enjoying ourselves will always be there when the time is correct,
when the time is suitable for us to do so.”
The President said Zimbabwe’s vaccination programme and the
success rate so far, was now an envy of many, with countries and organisations
from outside appealing for their leaders to come over to get vaccinated.
He said the doors would be open for such cases but stressed
that all foreigners would pay for the vaccinations but this remained free for
Zimbabweans locally and in the Diaspora. Vaccinations have since been opened up
to every Zimbabwean following the importation of more jabs over the last few
weeks.
“I have been approached by several countries as well as
organisations and individuals wanting to send their leaders to Zimbabwe to be
vaccinated here because they think that we are doing well. But I am saying that
for all Zimbabweans whoever they are, local or in the diaspora, if they come
here they will receive the vaccine for free but anybody else if they come here
they will receive the vaccine at a cost.
This is a human element where we cannot deny anybody but if
you are not Zimbabwean we will give you the vaccine at a cost but if you are
Zimbabwean the Government of Zimbabwe is giving you for free.”
But he cautioned that vaccination was not a guarantee against infection but it reduces the
infection rate and vulnerability. So far more than 150 000 people have been
vaccinated, with more visiting health centres to receive their jabs. Government
has opened more vaccination centres countrywide to facilitate easy access.
The President himself was vaccinated last month in Victoria
Falls. “ We chose Victoria Falls because we felt that Victoria Falls is our
tourist destination totally important to Zimbabwe and it is necessary that we
achieved herd immunity there. So I avoided to get vaccinated when the first
consignment came and I had my Vice President take it because the plans were
that I should do it in Victoria Falls to demonstrate to the people of Victoria
Falls to come forward and be vaccinated and achieve herd immunity so that
tourists coming to Victoria Falls know that the entire population of 50 00
people will be vaccinated and when I informed my colleagues, the principals of
political parties, they accepted to come
The President was accompanied by MDC_T president Douglas
Mwonzora and 22 other political leaders who all received their vaccines. He was
thankful that the leaders came with him in a demonstration of the unity of
purpose.
“That was the most beautiful thing, this is what should
happen on a daily basis, I had leaders from the political parties who agreed to
accompany me to Victoria Falls.. So when I was there people were gathered and I
said I know as you are gathered there not all of you support Zanu PF. Here are
leaders of political parties. If your leader is not here its not my fault.
“I think that people appreciated it because as the vaccination teams were going round there was no discrimination in terms of political affiliation and I said the virus has no political affiliation. It has affiliation with human beings so as long as you are human it will attack you, it doesn’t matter which political party you belong to or church, it will affect you,” he said. Sunday Mail
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