SCHOOLS have remained COVID-19 hotspots despite a downward trend in new infections recorded throughout the country in the past week, government has said.
Government yesterday extended the level two lockdown by a
further two weeks, but opened licensed bars for vaccinated patrons only.
New cases reported in schools fell to 815 last week
compared to 1 267 in the previous week after the Health and Child Care ministry
recently cordoned off boarding schools.
In a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Information
minister Monica Mutsvangwa said government would continue to strengthen all
public health institutions ahead of a possible fourth wave of the COVID-19
pandemic.
“The number of new infections decreased during the week
under review, despite the slight increase in new cases in learning
institutions,” she said.
The daily average of new cases dropped to 238 per day from
246, the previous week.
Regarding case management, infection, prevention and
control, the number of people in need of hospitalisation for COVID-19 continues
to fall, with the country’s bed occupancy rate decreasing from 4,62% the
previous week to 4,3% during the week under review.
Last week, 94 new admissions were recorded, with six patients
placed under intensive care.
On bars, Mutsvangwa said owners who violated the COVID-19
health protocols risked losing licences.
“Cabinet notes, with concern, that the continued closure of
licensed bars and nightclubs has caused not only a loss of income and
unemployment, but also resulted in the mushrooming of illegal outlets,” she
said.
“Cabinet, therefore, directed that all licensed bars be
opened to fully vaccinated clients. Bar owners are also required to ensure that
the World Health Organisation and national protocols and guidelines are
enforced, failure of which their licences will be withdrawn. The bars are also
required to adhere to curfew hours.” Newsday
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