"It's Frightening," Zimbabwe's Health Minister As SA Confirms 1st Coronavirus Case

Zimbabwe’s Health Minister, Dr Obadiah Moyo has said that it is frightening that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is now very close to Zimbabwe.

His remarks come as neighbouring South Africa has confirmed the first coronavirus case. Speaking to The Herald, the minister said that Zimbabwe was intensifying efforts to make sure that the virus does not frog-jump into the country. He added:

Yes, it is frightening that it is now around the corner, but we also hope that South Africa will be thorough and be able to pick up all contacts the case had been in touch with.

As such, all travellers and visitors into the country, including those from countries with confirmed Covid-19 cases, will be screened at ports of entry into Zimbabwe.

However, travellers with signs and symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc) will be referred immediately to designated isolation centres for further clinical examination and assistance.

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There are fears that the country is not adequately prepared to prevent and or contain the virus and the fact that South Africa recorded the virus is worsening fears.

Zimbabwe recently announced that all visitors from coronavirus affected countries will now be required to produce valid medical reports which reveal that they do not have the virus, something which is proof to some that the country is not equipped to deal with the virus.

More: The Herald