The Zimbabwean government has said that it is concerned with reports which suggest that there are unauthorised individuals who are announcing coronavirus cases.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said having many spokespersons creates confusion hence the need to centralise the reportage.
Speaking after a meeting of the National Covid-19 Taskforce held at State House she said:
The National Taskforce has noted with concern several reports of persons who are not authorised to issue statements and information regarding Covid-19 test results. This has led to misinformation that causes unnecessary panic and affects efforts to respond to the pandemic.
The official communication of Covid-19 test results to all publics is the sole responsibility of the Secretary for Health and Child Care. This is to prevent what the World Health Organisation calls ‘infordemics’, which is an excess amount of information concerning a problem which makes solutions difficult.
Minister Mutsvangwa implored everyone to play a role given the recent surge in the number of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases in the country.
More: ZBC News