GOVERNMENT will soon publish names of people absconding
from quarantine centres as part of measures to warn communities of potential
risks within their midst.
A total of 149 returnees have so far escaped from
quarantine centres, although some have been apprehended and charged.
Speaking last night during the media briefing on the
National Taskforce on Covid-19 Taskforce, Information, Publicity and
Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said manpower had been
increased at quarantine centres to curb such incidents.
She also said law enforcers had reinforced their operations
to encourage adherence to lockdown measures. “Government wishes to remind the nation that we are still
under lockdown.
“We need to de-congest our public places by only going out
when it is absolutely necessary. In the same vein, Government thanks all
communities that have taken it upon themselves to report those who abscond from
quarantine centres and those who illegally enter the country.
“The importance of the posed risk by border jumpers and
quarantine absconders cannot be overstated. Going forward, persons who abscond
from quarantine centres will have their details published so that communities
are aware of the potential risks in their midst,” she said.
Minister Mutsvagwa also said the Government would be
amending standard operating procedures at quarantine centres.
She said that there would be systematic testing of all
customs and immigration officers, as well as port health personnel to check and
minimise transmission of the virus.
“To enhance prevention, all ports of entry and personnel
therein are urged to strengthen prevention and control measures through social
distancing, sanitising and temperature checks,” she said.
Minister Mutsvanga announced that 3 700 health posts, which
were unfrozen had been filled with 178 personnel requested from the Health
Services Board to add staff in quarantine facilities and at ports of entry.
“The taskforce was informed that private insurance
companies had registered 8 000 health workers for six months free life
insurance.
“After the six months, the health workers have an option
for further self-engagements.
“The taskforce appreciates the approval by Cabinet of risk
allowances for village health workers and every frontline worker,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said members of the national taskforce
travelled to the provinces and inspected progress on the setting up of
isolation, quarantine and alternative quarantine facilities.
Further, Minister Mutsvangwa said: “The decommissioning of
schools as quarantine centres in preparation for their eventual re-opening is
progressing in earnest. All provinces have identified alternative quarantine
centres.” Herald
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