Indications over the past weeks have shown that Zimbabwe
has made inroads in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic as indicated by the
slump in new cases and deaths. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the
Government has at various times instituted measures to decongest offices in the
civil service in a bid to contain the spread of the contagious virus.
In July last year, the PSC ordered ministries to have just
10 percent of staff physically present on duty at a given moment with the rest
working from home. This came as the country was battling another surge of
Covid-19 cases.
Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga on 28 January
announced a relaxation of measures that had been put in place to curb the
fourth wave of the pandemic. Dr Chiwenga announced that the business community
was now expected to go back to working from their offices while continuing to
observe Covid-19 prevention measures, while the curfew was extended from
midnight to 05.30am.
In a circular directed to Government ministries,
Auditor-General Ms Mildred Chiri and Deputy Chief Secretary to the President
and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya dated 9 February, PSC Secretary, Ambassador
Jonathan Wutawunashe, said normal business would be resuming in Government
offices.
“In view of the announcement by (then) Acting President
Hon. General (Rtd) Dr C.G.D.N. Chiwenga on 28 January 2022 regarding measures
for Covid-19 containment in the country, Heads of Ministries are directed to
adhere to the under listed measures with immediate effect: All vaccinated
members to return to work with immediate effect. Face to face interviews now
permitted in strict adherence to Covid-19 health measures. Office hours shall
remain unchanged,” the circular read.
New infections and deaths have been on the wane in recent
weeks, with the country recording no deaths last Wednesday despite 140 new
cases. Only one death was registered on Friday, with the country recording 174
new cases. As of Friday, Zimbabwe had recorded 231 214 cases and 5 374 deaths.
Amb Wutawunashe added that workers that have not been
vaccinated will not be granted access to their work stations and they would
also not be paid during the time they spend barred from Government offices.
“In line with Section 3(a)i) and (i) of Statutory
Instrument 234 of 2021, members not vaccinated should be barred from the
workplace and shall not be paid whilst they are barred. Any member that is not
fully vaccinated without a reasonable excuse shall be subject to disciplinary
proceedings.
Members with medical conditions that require exemption from
vaccination should provide a medical certificate from a medical practitioner who
certifies that the member’s condition can be worsened by the vaccine,” he said.
Despite the return of all workers, Dr Wutawunashe said the
standard Covid-19 containment practices still needed to be adhered to.
“All other health protocols such as wearing of face masks,
social distancing and sanitisation should be adhered to. The PSC will continue
to communicate any reviews as the situation is managed.
All ministries are urged to co-operate as we remain alert
in combating this pandemic, which we will certainly overcome through adherence
to conduct and protocols prescribed by Zimbabwe health authorities, as guided
by the World Health Organisation.” Sunday Mail
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