Following the relaxing of
some lockdown measures, some Zimbabweans now seemingly believe that the
threat of the coronavirus pandemic is over and are returning to old habits.
A brief survey by H-Metro yesterday showed that some
Zimbabweans are only carrying facemasks out of fear of the police as opposed to
saving their own lives.
People found without properly wearing facemasks are fined
ZW$500 and to some, this is their bigger worry than Covid-19 itself.
In his Lockdown update, President Mnangagwa on Friday urged
Zimbabweans to remain vigilant in the fight against coronavirus and this
includes wearing facemasks at ALL times once outside homes.
“In this new normal, we must be vigilant. We must not rest.
The virus is still with us. It has neither disappeared nor been destroyed. It
has neither vanished nor been vanquished; it lives amongst us. So please act
with caution. Wear a mask at all times when you are outside your homes.
“Don’t cough into your hands and maintain social distance
wherever possible. Do not spend time in enclosed spaces with strangers, and
ensure that windows are open in workspaces. Wash or sanitize your hands
regularly and thoroughly.
“This may seem rudimentary, but these small acts may just
save the life of your grandmother or grandfather, brother or sister, mother or
father, friend or co-worker; even your own life. This will not last forever. We
will – someday – return to the warm ways of Zimbabwe once again. However, the
status-quo and the immediate future demand our active diligence.
“Let us influence and educate each other, and our friends
and family on how to minimise the risks of infection. The virus must be kept in
check. Only with strict discipline can we fully get back on course towards
building a functioning, modern and prosperous economy,” said President
Mnangagwa.
However, a tour of the Africa Unity Square and Harare
Gardens yesterday showed a number of people –often seated as couples -disregarding
the measures spelt out by government repeatedly as they enjoyed each other’s
company on a Sunday.
At the Africa Unit Square, a Johanne Masowe yeChishanu
self-styled prophetess was actually discouraging people from wearing facemasks
in the park.
“We are here as spirits to cleanse this place since it is
the heart of Harare handiti ndipo panoka pakati peguta,” said Madzimai
Nyaradzai.
“We are here to inform people not to take Covid-19
seriously and not to put on facemasks as directed by Western countries.
“I am sure that Zimbabweans are better educated than many
nations and as such they must not move putting on face masks to hide their
faces.
“Instead of preventing Covid-19 which they claim is in this
country they are instead promoting robbery as people lose their belongings to
masked people.
“It is that reason we have been sent to spread the word to
people that they must not be fooled but instead seek God’s face in prayer.
“Tirikuswera takarara tichirotswa hope dzekuti tiudze nyika
zvainofanira kuita.
“Panzvimbo ino pakachererwa mazinyoka akaipa atauya
kuzobvisa saka matiwona tiripano kudai ende hatipfeke zvimadhende pamiromo
yedu,” she said discouraging the measures set by Government to curb spreading
of Covid-19.
While Madzimai Nyradzai was conducting prayers and laying
her hands on some people who consulted her, men and women dotted in the park
were caressing each other. H Metro
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