The government of Zimbabwe is reportedly considering banning public gatherings as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads rapidly in neighbouring countries.
Zimbabwean authorities claim that the country has not yet registered a single case of the virus and banning public gatherings is one of a cocktail of preventive measures the country intends to adopt.
Addressing members of the Senate on Tuesday, Health Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo said that the government’s proposed ban was after the SADC meeting recommended the suspension of public gatherings. He said:
I came from Tanzania today (Tuesday) and in that (SADC) meeting, it was said we do not want large gatherings.
For example soccer, other countries, if you check in England, only the playing teams go to the stadia. Only 22 players will be in the stadium and they play without spectators.
He also said that Zimbabwe’s national team, the Warriors must not go to Algeria for the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier match with that country which has recorded cases of the virus.
Moyo’s remarks were in response to MDC senator Theresa Makone who had inquired on the measures the government was taking to avoid the spread of the disease.