Retails shops, including supermarkets, will close at 6:30 pm with effect from Tuesday, 15 September 2020, a senior government official has revealed.
The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Ndavaningi Nick Mangwana revealed the development on Twitter, and this means that shops will be closing 2 hours later than the current stipulated time (4:30 pm).
Mangwana said 15 September is also President Emmerson Birthday. He, however, did not explain how Mnangagwa’s birthday relates to the coronavirus-induced lockdown or if the 8 pm to 6 am curfew will be adjusted as well. He tweeted:
From tomorrow, 15 September 2020 (President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday), shops and supermarkets will now be closing at 1830 hours.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa also said:
As part of gradually opening the economy, Government has extended operating hours for the retail, wholesale and service businesses from 8 am -4:30 pm to 6:30 am – 6:30 pm.
It is not yet clear if all businesses are now allowed to open until 6:30 or whether the extension applies only to those designated essential services.