Business Nudge Reluctant Govt Towards Lockdown

Several businesses have started taking steps which could eventually lead to a lockdown as fears of the coronavirus disease escalate.

One of the country’s leading financial institutions, FBC, has announced through SMSes that it was closing its Centre branch, with customers advised to use other branches. It said:

We are temporarily closing FBC Bank Centre branch. Please utilise our e-banking channels or any FBC branch withing the CBD.

Mobile Network operators, Econet Zimbabwe and Telecel Zimbabwe have also announced measures curtailing their operations.

While Econet has announced that it will temporarily close two of its shops, Joina City and Victoria Falls, Telecel said it will open its shops for only four hours each day (between 9 am and 1 pm).

The government has been dragging its feet as far as lockdown is concerned, with a few restrictions having been put in place such as banning gatherings of over 50 people and advising citizens to have less social visits.