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A new report by the Union of Education Norway in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) indicates that Zimbabwe has recorded a 20% increase in school dropouts since 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19.
ZIMTA education director and senior coordinator Dennis Sinyolo told NewsDay that the report was an assessment of the impact of the closure of schools during COVID-19-induced lockdowns. Said Sinyolo:
<blockquote>
We discovered that, indeed, there were so many problems with some being common knowledge that the closure of schools brought about a lot of dropouts.
Some learners were affected to a point where it was very difficult for them to return to school when schools reopened.
Some lost their parents or guardians while others joined the informal trading sector and gold panning.
The girl child, in particular, was the most affected. Some of them got married and became pregnant at a very young age. The situation was quite bad.
</blockquote>
Sinyolo added that while learners in urban areas may have benefitted from online learning during the lockdown period, those in the rural areas and children from poorer families were left behind.
However, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro dismissed the report as false. He said:
<blockquote>
Those are lies. We have children back in classrooms. We have had outreach programmes where we asked all learners out of school to come back to school.
We have had an Education Amendment Act crafted and it stipulates that even pregnant girls must be allowed to continue with formal education. Those figures in the report are malicious.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/08/zim-school-dropouts-skyrocket/">NewsDay</a>

Pindula News

School Dropouts Rose Due To Lockdowns, New Report Claims

The Government says it will not bow down to pressure to lift COVID-19 restrictions after South Africa announced that it would ease its own measures this month.
The South African government said that it will soon ease COVID-19 control measures following pressure from business, opposition parties and health experts.
COVID-19 National Taskforce chief coordinator Agnes Mahomva on Tuesday told NewsDay that Zimbabwe will make decisions based on local data and not on what other countries do. She said:
<blockquote>
We do not follow what other countries are doing. We are guided by numbers and what is on the ground.
We are also guided by our local data and that is what we look at.
As a country, we are doing well as we recently recorded a 46% decline in cases.
We recently launched a vaccination blitz and we are optimistic that cases will go down sharply.
</blockquote>
As of Tuesday, 5 April 2022, 5 582 115 people had received at least a single COVID-19 vaccine jab while those who had received three jabs were 476 781.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/04/well-not-rush-to-lift-covid-19-safety-measures/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Zimbabwe Won't Rush To Lift COVID-19 Restrictions - Mahomva

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday announced the relaxation of the current COVID-19 Level Four lockdown measures to Level Two.
Among other things, curfew hours have been adjusted to between 10 PM and 5.30 AM, while businesses are now allowed to operate from 8 AM up to 7 PM.
Restaurants and bars within hotels and lodges have been given the green light to open between 8 AM and 10 PM.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E-rulF9WEAU20k6?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
Intercity travel is now permitted and transport operators and members of the public are expected to observe public health measures. However, beer halls, bars and nightclubs remain closed.
Here are some of the regulations announced by the President:
<ul>
<li>Curfew from 2200 to 05:30hrs</li>
<li>Businesses to operate from 0800 to 1900hrs</li>
<li>Restaurants and bars within hotels and lodges to operate between 1000 to 2200hrs</li>
<li>Bottle stores to open between 1000 and 1600hrs</li>
<li>Beer outlets and nightclubs remain closed.</li>
<li>Public gatherings to not exceed 100.</li>
<li>Decongestion of offices shall be at 50%</li>
<li>Intercity now permitted in strict adherence to COVID-19 health measures</li>
<li>Low-risk sports to resume from 0800 to 1600hrs</li>
<li>High and medium-risk sporting activities to seek approval.</li>
<li>Persons entering the country should present a COVID-19 test valid less than 48 hrs.</li>
<li>Lockdown relaxation to be reviewed in 2 weeks.</li>
</ul>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

President Mnangagwa Relaxes Lockdown Measures

The government has extended the revised Level 4 lockdown by a further two weeks.
The extension of the lockdown was announced by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa in a statement on Tuesday night.
Mutsvangwa said although there has been a notable decrease in the number of coronavirus infections and deaths, more efforts were required to contain the third wave. She said:
<blockquote>
Government wishes to inform that the Level 4 Lockdown has been extended by another two weeks.
This has been necessitated by the realisation that although there has been a notable decrease in the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths, more efforts are required to contain the third wave of the pandemic.
</blockquote>
She also urged members of the public to be vaccinated, saying the government will continue to bring in vaccines for those that are eligible and willing to get vaccinated. Added Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>
We cannot afford to let our guard down until we are all safe. Members of the public are therefore urged to take this opportunity to get vaccinated.
Government will continue to procure vaccines and avail them to those who are eligible and willing to be vaccinated.
It is also important that we continue to wear our masks, social distance and maintain all other preventive measures so that we overcome this pandemic as a nation.
</blockquote>
The Level 4 Lockdown was first announced two months ago and has remained in place since then.
Meanwhile, Mutsvangwa said nothing about the reopening of schools although there have been suggestions that as infections rates continue to fall their reopening was imminent.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Level 4 Lockdown Extended By 2 Weeks

Statement by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on the enforcement of Level 4 COVID-19 Lockdown measures.
<blockquote>
ENFORCEMENT OF COVID-19 REGULATIONS AS ANNOUNCED BY GOVERNMENT ON 10TH AND 11TH AUGUST 2021
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to take note of the extension of Level IV COVID-19 regulations by His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on 9th August 2021 and the Cabinet pronouncements on 11th August 2021.
The Police will continue to enforce these safety measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We urge the public to be responsible and observe the health and safety protocols at all times.
The wearing of face masks, social distancing and sanitizing should be prioritized in all public places.
Since 1st August 2021, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested 24 027 people for not wearing face masks.
Bar, beer hall and nightclub operators are once again reminded and implored to strictly comply with COVID-19 regulations particularly the ban on operations.
Police will ensure no bar, beer hall night club and shebeen operators disregard the Government’s safety measures.
Raids will continue being conducted on those drinking beer/alcohol whilst parked at bars, nightclubs, and beer halls in the country. No excuses will be entertained by the Police from those arrested.
The Police has recorded numerous complaints on people who are holding parties late into the night and in the process making noise in various suburbs in the country. The law will take its course in this regard.
Churches are implored to strictly comply with the vaccination directive for congregates as stipulated by the Cabinet on 11th August 2021.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police will assist health officials to ensure compliance and arrest anyone defying the safety protocols. 
Police will also take action against those who might try to take advantage of the directive and produce fake vaccination certificates.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns bus operators who are using side roads to carry passengers from one city to another in clear violation of the Government’s intercity movement ban.
This includes some buses which are carrying people from Beitbridge and in the process get involved in some incidents while evading security systems through dangerous routes which are mostly dusty and bumpy for safe travelling.
The recent incident in Masvingo is a case in point. The public is urged to report anyone contravening COVID-19 regulations on Harare Operations number 0242 748836, Bulawayo Operations 0292 885479, National Complaints Desk 0242 703631 or WhatsApp 0712800197.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Police Vow To Enforce Level 4 COVID-19 Lockdown Measures | FULL TEXT

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended the COVID-19 level 4 lockdown by a further two weeks.
In an address to the nation this Monday evening, the President said although coronavirus infections had gone down in the past two weeks, the number of deaths remained “worrisome”, hence the need to keep the measures in place. He said:
<blockquote>
Since then the nation has made good progress in containing the third wave. The increase in new cases per day has gone down considerably in the past two weeks. This is a clear indication that the pandemic is under control.
Unfortunately the number of new cases and deaths per day remain unacceptably high. It is for this reason that the current Level 4 lockdown has to be extended by a further 2 weeks.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa also noted that several countries globally and regionally are starting to experience the fourth wave of infections, therefore, Zimbabweans should not become complacent. He said:
<blockquote>
Several countries are beginning to experience the fourth wave, quite worrisome are the trends in countries close to us.
In most all of our neighbours’ infections have shown an upward trend, we, therefore, need to be vigilant now if not later of we are to avoid the fourth wave.
</blockquote>
He implored citizens to get vaccinated indicating that there is no excuse to decide otherwise. Said the President:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
Everyone eligible for vaccination ,must get vaccinated urgently. There is no good reason to delay, rather we should feel the urge to protect our families, neighbours and the nation.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/covid-19-level-four-lockdown-extended/">ZBC News</a></h4>

Mnangagwa Extends Tight COVID-19 Lockdown By Another Two Weeks

Police in Masvingo have impounded five South African bound cross border buses and 200 vehicles for violating the COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa revealed this during a media inspection of some of the impounded vehicles at ZRP Zimuto Camp.
Insp Dhewa said so far the police have impounded more than 200 vehicles with the vehicles taken to ZRP Chikato, ZRP Rujeko, ZRP Phoenix Main Camp and ZRP Zimuto Camp. He said:
<blockquote>
We are encouraging members of the public to comply and adhere to the lockdown regulations, one of which is the ban on inter-city travelling.
Several vehicles have been impounded and owners have been arrested and some of them remanded in custody.
We are well aware that some people have created side roads to avoid normal routes, we have the information.
Some of these buses were caught in thickets avoiding the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road.
</blockquote>
Under the Level Four lockdown regulations, inter-city travel has been banned while intracity travel is only reserved for ZUPCO affiliated buses and kombis.
However, some transport operators have defied the ban, in some cases operating at night to avoid arrest.
Non-essential movement between 6.30 pm and 6 am is also banned as part of measures put in place by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/masvingo-police-impounds-cross-border-buses-200-vehicles/">The Sunday News</a></h4>

ZRP Impounds Cross Boarder Buses, 200 Vehicles In Masvingo Province

Just under 800 000 people have been arrested since March last year for violating regulations aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said.
Most of the arrests were for offences that include violating movement restrictions, public gatherings and failure to wear masks. ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
<blockquote>As of 7th July 2021, police have arrested a cumulative total of 797 961 people for offences related to COVID-19 since 30 March 2020.
Most of these arrests were for offences in relation to the Liquor Act, Road Traffic Act, operating business offences, violating movement restrictions, gathering offences, failure to wear a mask and other offences.</blockquote>
Harare Metropolitan province accounts for most of the arrests with over 236 000 followed by Bulawayo with 121 168.
Manicaland (98 379) comes third, followed by Masvingo (71 263), Mashonaland East (73 861), Mashonaland West (60 895), Mashonaland Central (56 218) and Midlands (39 644).
There were 23 569 arrests in Matabeleland South and 16 123 in Matabeleland North.
More than 4 000 people were arrested on Wednesday last week for violating the enhanced Level Four national lockdown regulations.
The government recently tightened lockdown measures, which include a ban on all public gatherings and inter-city travel.
The night curfew was also extended from 6.30 pm to 6 am while operating hours for businesses were reduced to between 8 am to 3.30 pm.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/800k-arrested-for-lockdown-violations">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

800 000 Arrested For Lockdown Violations

The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has indefinitely postponed examinations that were scheduled to run from the 5th to the 9th of this month.
In a notice to students Thursday, NUST Acting Deputy Registrar Leon Hadebe said the postponement of the examinations has been necessitated by the new lockdown measures imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus. Said Hadebe:
<blockquote>Please be advised that Examinations that were scheduled to run from the 5th to the 9th of July, 2021 have been postponed to a date to be advised.
This has been necessitated by the recent lockdown regulations that were imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. Any inconvenience caused is regretted.</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
<h4><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/president-mnangagwa-announces-stricter-lockdown-measures/">President Mnangagwa Announces Stricter Lockdown Measures</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>
On Tuesday President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced that the country is reverting to Level 4 lockdown following a sharp rise in new coronavirus infections.
President Mnangagwa said the measures will be in place for two weeks and then be reviewed thereafter.
Among other things, businesses will open from 0800hrs to 1530hrs in compliance with the general curfew running from 1830hrs to 0600hrs.
<h4>More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

NUST Postpones Examinations Indefinitely

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has called on all citizens to adhere to the enhanced COVID-19 national lockdown measures announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa Tuesday.
In a statement this Wednesday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi reminded members of the public that all gatherings are banned except funerals of 30 or fewer people. He warned those who would be found violating the regulations that they will be arrested.
Pindula News is publishing Asst Comm Nyathi’s statement on enforcement of the stricter national lockdown measures below:
<blockquote>ENFORCEMENT OF ENHANCED COVID-19 NATIONAL LOCKDOWN MEASURES BY ZIMBABWE REPUBLIC POLICE
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to fully comply with the enhanced COVID-19 national lockdown measures announced by His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on 29th June 2021.
The Police will ensure that the curfew order imposed by the Government from 1830 hours till 0630 hours the following morning is religiously adhered to. All unnecessary movements by the public will be dealt with and arrests effected.
Members of the public who are holding church gatherings which include all-night prayers by some religious groups are warned and implored to comply with the Government’s ban on gatherings.
The public should take note that only gatherings of funerals of 30 or fewer people are allowed. Police officers on patrol will check on compliance for the security of all.
Transporters who will be found contravening the Government’s intercity passenger traffic ban will have their staff arrested and the buses impounded.
No mushika-shika or pirate taxis will be tolerated. Any connivance by these illegal operators with members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police will be severely dealt with.
Police details will conduct patrols, blitz and monitoring to ensure compliance by the public and businesses on the safety and health measures put in place by the Government.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to wear face masks and practice social distancing in all public places.
It is not good to put a mask on approaching a checkpoint and then remove it afterwards.
Let us prioritize the health and safety of all by being responsible, exemplary and law-abiding citizens.
The public is urged to report all those disregarding COVID-19 regulations on WhatApp number 0712 800 197 or Complaints Desk on 0242 703631 or Harare Operations on 0242 748836 or Bulawayo Operations on 0292 885479.</blockquote>

Police To Ensure Level 4 Lockdown Measures Are Observed

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended the Zimbabwean government for introducing stricter measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
On Saturday, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, in his capacity as Health and Child Care Minister, announced the intensified lockdown which comes into effect today, 14 June 2021.
The new restrictions are in response to a rise in COVID-19 infection rates and deaths recorded last week.
WHO Country Representative to Zimbabwe Dr Alex Gasasira told The Herald on Sunday that the government’s latest intervention was welcome and critical. He said:
<blockquote>What the Government of Zimbabwe is doing is in line with what the WHO recommends. It is necessary for governments to carefully review local evidence of levels of COVID-19 transmission and assess when additional restrictions are required to prevent the health system from being overwhelmed.
This is critical to prevent a very high death rate due to COVID-19. We have seen in other countries in our region and beyond, cases rising and overwhelming the health systems.
The new measures announced by the Government yesterday will help to mitigate against such a situation in the country.</blockquote>
The major changes are a one-hour reduction in the maximum number of working hours to 8 am to 6 pm, duty staff on the premises in non-essential enterprises to be at half level, all meetings and workshops to be virtual, restaurants only allowed to serve take-aways, and bottle store hours chopped to 10 am to 4 pm, with owners responsible for stopping customers drinking in or around the premises.
All sporting activities, religious and social gatherings, except funerals that have been limited to 30 people, have been banned.
Night clubs and beer halls remain shut.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/new-covid-19-restrictions-take-effect-get-who-backing/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Zimbabwe's Soft Lockdown Gets WHO Backing

The Restaurant Operators’ Association of Zimbabwe (ROAZ) has expressed concern over the renewed closure of restaurants and has challenged the misperception that restaurants pose a threat to public health.
This follows Health and Child Care Minister, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s press statement on Saturday that announced a ban on sit-down dining in restaurants.
There have been 544 new cases from 5 June to 11 June, 24 deaths and an average of 78 new cases per day.
ROAZ president Bongai Zamchiya said the livelihoods of restaurateurs, staff and suppliers were on the brink of collapse and the only options available were urgent re-opening or immediate and substantial financial support. He said:
<blockquote>Contrary to a common misperception, well-run restaurants are not venues for spreading Covid but are hygienic in concept and operation, posing little if any threat to customers, certainly no greater than any other business or home environment.
In addition, more than 75 per cent of the staff of our members have been vaccinated so far and practices of sanitisation and social distancing on site and behind the scenes are undertaken in full compliance with law and expectations.</blockquote>
He said ROAZ members were active in combatting COVID-19 in many ways and would continue to do so. Said Zamchiya:
<blockquote>Another misperception is that takeaway services, which are still permitted, cover even a reasonable percentage of costs of operation that remain in place for restaurateurs during closure to sit-down dinings, such as wages, rents, security, refrigeration and the many statutory licences paid to central and local government.
They do not, as verified by a survey carried out in February, which showed income levels from takeaways of between eight and 18 per cent of normal, which is un-sustaining and unsustainable.</blockquote>
Restaurants have been either closed or in partial operation for the past 14 months and many have closed permanently, while those remaining all face financial ruin and closure. Said Zamchiya:
<blockquote>Our members are serious professionals whose commitment to customer safety and national health issues is without question, and it is easy to monitor their operations.
We request urgent re-opening of restaurants and commit to compliance and to support for measures of safety, knowing that our venues are more hygienic than just about any other business operation or service.</blockquote>
International health, culinary and labour organisations have in the past year been active in highlighting the importance of restaurants in communities, both as places of necessary nutrition and feeding, as well as contributors to economic well-being within developing countries.
These organisations have also pointed out that as social gathering points restaurants play a significant role in maintaining mental health in communities.
Across the world, there has been a major rethink on restaurant closures and many lockdowns have been implemented without resorting to restaurant closures.
Zamchiya said ROAZ had been encouraged by the Government’s recent localised lockdowns as a practical solution to containing outbreaks in particular areas while allowing commercial and social activities to take place safely in other areas. He said:
<blockquote>On the day of the announcement, only eight new cases of Covid were reported in Harare but operators in the city have been closed to sit-down dining.
There is nothing frivolous about restaurant operations and we hope for a willing ear as we pledge to support the anti-Covid drive while at the same time remain in operation.
We recognise there are some ‘eating places’ that are devoid of health practices and, of course, we do not mean for these to be re-opened, but with respect to our member operators, which are solid, responsible and reliable business operations, we call for urgent re-opening for the safe operation of an essential service.</blockquote>
Ends 
Issued by the Restaurant Operators’ Association of Zimbabwe 
Contact: Stan Higgins, call 
WhatsApp 0785 300144 
e-mail aquarius@iwayafrica.co.zw

Restaurant Operators Plead For Lockdown Exemption

This is part of a report by the World Food Programme Titled “Hunger in urban Zimbabwe peaks as the ripple effect of COVID-19 is felt across the nation”.
Hunger in Zimbabwe’s urban areas has increased over the past year with 2.4 million people now struggling to meet their basic food needs, according to the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) report coordinated by the Food and Nutrition Council.
The lockdowns imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 have dealt a severe blow to poor urban communities, many of whom were daily wage earners living hand to mouth.
While unable to find work in cities, the ban on travel has meant that seasonal employment in rural areas is no longer an option.
With work opportunities disappearing, the recent report states that 42% of urban households will not be able to meet their cereal requirements this year compared to approximately 30% for the same period in 2019.
The World Food Programme (WFP) Representative and Country Director Francesca Erdelmann said:
<blockquote>Reduced access to nutritious food has resulted in negative impacts for many. Families will find it difficult to put food on the table, most of them have been stuck at home and were not able to go to work, the fortunate ones will skip meals while those without will have to go to bed with empty stomachs.
For the most vulnerable people, hunger will have a lasting effect on their lives. The deteriorating hunger situation, caused by COVID19 threatens to be their biggest challenge.</blockquote>
There has been a sharp decline in the standard of living across poor urban communities in Zimbabwe with 83% of urban households now below the cost of the minimum expected food items such as mealie meal, salt and cooking oil compared to 76.8% in 2019.
One of the challenges faced by the urban households were sharp price increases of basic commodities while the purchasing power of the Zimbabwe dollar has been eroded by inflation and the negative economic effects of COVID-19.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/hunger-rules-urban-zimbabwe-amid-covid-19-lockdowns/2191545">ReliefWeb</a></h4>

COVID-19 Lockdowns Worsen Hunger In Zimbabwe's Urban Areas

Police have urged members of the public to observe safety measures such as wearing masks and avoiding unnecessary movement during curfew hours to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told ZBC News that they will be intensifying enforcement of regulations meant to contain the spread of the virus.
Since President Emmerson Mnangagwa relaxed the level four lockdown measures early this month, most people have become complacent in taking precautionary measures that reduce the spread of COVID-19.
People are now moving around freely without wearing masks or practising social distance.
Asst Comm. Nyathi warned that police will be arresting those caught on the wrong side of the law. He said:
<blockquote>We have observed that some people are not wearing face masks and some people are just moving around even after 10 pm for no reasons. The ZRP will be arresting those who flout lockdown regulations.</blockquote>
Nyathi also told The Sunday Mail that if need be, the police would increase patrols and checkpoints to deal with irresponsible members of the public. He said:
<blockquote>We are not going back on arresting those who break the rules, especially those who are not wearing masks and not practising social distancing.
We had restricted our patrols and checkpoints to curfew hours, but if things remain like this, yes there is a possibility that we could increase our checkpoints again.
People need to be responsible, I think that should be a personal choice for the sake of one’s own health.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/police-to-intensify-covid-19-containment-measures/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ZBC News,</a> <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/govt-acts-to-avert-third-wave" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

Police To Intensify Enforcement Of COVID-19 Containment Measures

The government could reintroduce tighter coronavirus restrictions and increase police checkpoints to prevent the third wave of infections.
Officials who spoke to The Sunday Mail last week expressed concern about the high levels of complacency being displayed by the generality of citizenry since the lockdown was relaxed early this month.
The exemption letter requirement, which was used during the heightened lockdown to restrict movement, could be reinstated if people continue with their recklessness in most urban areas.
However, the Government will pursue other avenues such as increasing the pace of vaccination and arresting offenders before reinstating stricter measures.
Chief Co-ordinator of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Agnes Mahomva, had this to say:
<blockquote>As Government, we are always concerned when people get complacent because that is what led us to the second wave.
But as our main defence line, now that we have the vaccine, we are speeding up the programme to ensure that we immunise our target number as a way of minimising further infections.</blockquote>
Mpilo Central Hospital Acting chief executive officer, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, warned that Zimbabwe faces a deadly third wave of infections that will be worse than previous waves. He tweeted on Friday:
<blockquote>Coronavirus: Back to the same pattern! Bulawayo starts with a high positivity rate of 19,5 per cent. Unfortunately, the third wave with the variants will be unforgiving.
This time things will erupt suddenly, and catastrophically. Stay at home if you can, it could save your life.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/govt-acts-to-avert-third-wave" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

Another Hard Coronavirus Lockdown Probable

Businesses in Zimbabwe have said they are fed up with hard lockdowns which prohibit them from operating at full capacity.
The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) has said Zimbabwe may struggle to achieve even 0,5% gross domestic product (GDP) growth this year due to the repeated imposition of hard lockdowns.
In its latest report titled: “2020 Achievements in Retrospect”, the ZNCC appealed to the government to move to targeted lockdowns which allow all formal businesses to remain open rather than blanket lockdowns. The report said:
<blockquote>We will be thankful to the Almighty if we are to post even a +0,5% <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/07/15/zimbabwes-economy-could-recover-in-2021-if-there-is-policy-responses-to-restore-stability-in-the-foreign-exchange-market-afdb/">GDP growth for 2021</a>, with a negative 6% to 9% being our forecast before the economy moves out of the hole in the second half of 2022.
The services sector is becoming the major driver of the Zimbabwean economy and the hard lockdowns we continue experiencing will not do a favour to an economy with almost 61% concentration of the services sector.
We have had enough lockdowns and we have to graduate to smart and targeted lockdowns with all formal businesses expected to remain open whilst adhering to the guidelines of COVID-19.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe first imposed a hard lockdown at the end of March last year to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus which causes the respiratory disease called COVID-19.
After subsequently relaxing the lockdown from mid-2020 onwards, the government reverted to a hard lockdown in January this year to contain a second wave of the coronavirus.
The hard lockdowns are affecting local businesses and this has an adverse impact on Zimbabwe’s already struggling economy.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2021/02/27/companies-fed-up-with-lockdowns-zncc/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Zimbabwe Independent</a></h4>

Zimbabwe Businesses Fed Up With Hard Lockdowns

In what can be interpreted as the selective application of the law, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Thursday allowed hundreds of ZANU PF supporters to chant and dance before President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the commissioning of the Eping Forest boreholes in Nyamandlovu, Matabeleland North.
Public gatherings have been banned in Zimbabwe since 5 January 2021 as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus which has claimed 1 456 lives as of yesterday.
Yesterday, police said they have made a total of 458 251 arrests since the onset of the coronavirus lockdown nearly a year ago and it remains to be seen if any arrests will be made at the Namandlovu event.
Watch the video below, (Credit: ZimLive):
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="352" id="video-197640-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ZANU-PF-supporters-gather-in-Nyamandlovu.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ZANU-PF-supporters-gather-in-Nyamandlovu.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ZANU-PF-supporters-gather-in-Nyamandlovu.mp4</a></video></div>

WATCH: ZANU PF Crowd Violates Lockdown In Nyamandlovu

3 504 people were arrested yesterday alone for violating lockdown regulations, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said.
Of the 3 504 arrests made on Tuesday, 2 284 were for unnecessary movements and 815 were for failing to wear masks.
This brings to 458 251 the cumulative total arrests since the onset of the coronavirus lockdown nearly a year ago. ZRP said in a statement posted on Twitter:
<blockquote>The ZRP is warning members of the public against breaching the current COVID-19 regulations.
On 23/02/21, 3 504 people were arrested for breaching COVID-19 regulations, of those 2 284 were for unnecessary movements and 815 were for failing to wear masks.
Since the onset of COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, the cumulative total arrest is now at 458 251. Let’s stay safe and curb the spread of COVID-19.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, a “Twimbo” identifying himself as Kundai Kundai accused police of selective application of the law by targeting people from poor neighbourhoods for arrest while the well to do are allowed to move freely even past security checkpoints. <a href="https://twitter.com/KuKu09469158/status/1364594049764720644" rel="noopener" target="_blank">He said:</a>
<blockquote>All those people arrested are poor guys from the Ghetto, the rich guys are moving around even the police do nothing at roadblocks, they even use oncoming lanes.
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck">
All those people arrested are poor guys from the Ghetto, the rich guys are moving around even the police do nothing at road blocks, they even use oncoming lanes.
— Kundai Kundai (@KuKu09469158) <a href="https://twitter.com/KuKu09469158/status/1364594049764720644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
</blockquote>

3 504 People Arrested For Violating Lockdown Regulations

Full statement by the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) on the relaxation of lockdown regulations by President Emmerson Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) cautiously and watchfully welcomed the revised lockdown regulations by the President of Zimbabwe Mr E.D. Mnangagwa on 15 February 2021, where he revised business hours of operation and hours of the curfew, along with what was termed reopening of the informal sector in keeping with World Health Organization (WHO) Covid-19 regulations.
The reason for our caution as it has turned out was prudent, as the requirements include temperature testing, which at an average cost of USD30 is beyond the reach of the majority of players in the informal sector, also bearing in mind that these are people yet to recover from the economic impact of the initial lockdown.
Some members of our sector have been denied permission to operate even upon satisfying WHO guidelines and demonstrating the ability to test employees periodically.
Reports are also surfacing of police harassment at checkpoints and within the central business district, making the movement of vendors to and from farmers markets difficult. This has equally begun to adversely affect farmers as their perishable goods go to waste.
It remains our contention that in the absence of any alleviating financial support from the government, the informal sector be opened up with adherence to social distancing and sanitizing so that they can feed their families as well as adhering to safe health practices.
Informal Traders and vendors should not have to choose between hunger and health but should be able to pursue their livelihoods without endangering greater society and VISET stands ready and willing to assist in the awareness and implementation of Covid-19 regulations throughout the sector as they have done in the past.</blockquote>

Vendors 'Cautiously' Welcome Lockdown Relaxations

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday extended the coronavirus lockdown by another two weeks. Below is the President’s statement in full:
<blockquote>Fellow Zimbabweans, I wish to update you on the current state of the National Covid-19 pandemic as we revisit the lockdown that we introduced at the beginning of the year and hence map a way forward.
Since the implementation of the current lockdown which ends midnight today, we have witnessed a marked decrease in the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths.
I thank you all, most sincerely, for observing the fundamental lockdown measures.
As I address you, our Nation this morning received its first consignment of vaccines from the People’s Republic of China. Let me again thank the Chinese Government for this gesture of great humanity. 
We will forever remain grateful to the Chinese Government and People for standing with us. I am also happy that the Second consignment of vaccines procured from the People’s Republic of China will be received in a few weeks’ time. 
As already indicated, vaccines from other countries namely Russia, India and the United Kingdom, are also on the way. 
That should see our pace of vaccinating willing Zimbabweans increase in tempo thus drawing us nearer the goal of achieving herd immunity. 
The ultimate goal is a return to our normal lives so our children can go back to school, and that we all resume our collective effort towards recovery and growing our Economy for the realisation of Vision 2030. 
Therefore the vaccine roll-out programme will be announced by the Minister of Health and Child Care.
Fellow Zimbabweans,
The following are the current measures:
<ul>
<li>staying at home thereby limiting community transmission,</li>
<li>the correct wearing of face masks, and the use of sanitisers,</li>
<li>keeping physical distancing in all places and in public transport such as on ZUPCO buses,</li>
<li>decongesting government offices to 10%, as was being strictly observed,</li>
<li>restriction on informal sector activities which pose a challenge on social distancing,</li>
<li>enforcement of the curfew, closure of bars, beer halls and restaurants.</li>
</ul>
While the National lockdown goals are now within sight, the numbers of active cases and deaths however are still very high.
These need to come down further. Every life lost is a big loss to us I, therefore, extend the National Lockdown by a further two weeks.
The extension will allow the number of active cases and those still in incubation to recede.
This extension should cause a great reduction in the pool of infected people, enable Health Personnel to investigate and, monitor the presence and circulation of new variants.
Fellow Zimbabweans,
The new measures will operate as follows:
<ul>
<li>Hours of business will be 0800 HRS to 1700 HRS</li>
<li>Curfew is from 2000 HRS to 0530 HRS,</li>
<li>No inter-city and inter-provincial commuting,</li>
<li>Funeral gatherings to remain pegged at 30 people, with all social gatherings remaining banned,</li>
<li>All burials are to be handled according to WHO regulations,</li>
<li>Essential services to remain functional,</li>
<li>Government manning levels to increase from 10% to 25%</li>
<li>The Ministry of Health and Child Care will increase testing. All private companies seeking resumption of operations should test their employees in compliance with WHO protocols,</li>
<li>Judiciary will open for only urgent cases to be heard. No one is allowed in the gallery. All who attend court will be tested,</li>
<li>Schools will remain closed for the duration of the extension,</li>
<li>Our markets shall remain open but observing social distancing and</li>
<li>Those in the informal sector may only open once they have satisfied WHO protocols.</li>
</ul>
Let me take this opportunity to remind you to remain vigilant, focused and to continue to adhere to all the lockdown measures.
The health of our nation depends on us all
I thank you</blockquote>

President Mnangagwa's Statement On Lockdown Extension - Full Text

The President has extended the national lockdown by 2 more weeks. He announced his decision on Twitter and said:
<blockquote>It is with deep sadness that I today announced that lockdown in Zimbabwe has been extended for two more weeks. I know that this will be painful for many Zimbabweans and this decision was not taken without great deliberation. But there is a light at the end of this tunnel.
Thanks to vaccines arriving in Zimbabwe from China, the U.K., Russia and India, we will now be able to protect our people and gradually reopen our economy. I thank all Zimbabweans for the daily sacrifice they make in forgoing their liberty for the protection of us all.</blockquote>
In the same update president Mnangagwa also made the following announcements:
<ol>
<li>Businesses to operate from 8 am to 5 pm</li>
<li>Curfew to start from 8 pm to 5.30 am</li>
<li>No intercity travel</li>
<li>Schools to remain closed</li>
<li>30 Funerals attendees per funeral</li>
<li>Essential service to remain functional.</li>
<li>Govt function moves to 25%</li>
<li>Social gatherings remain prohibited</li>
</ol>
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/ZBCNewsonline">President Mnangagwa</a>

UPDATED:  ED Extends National Lockdown By 2 More Weeks

The ruling Zanu PF party held elections in Mutare on Saturday in violation of coronavirus regulations which prohibit public gatherings, including the holding of elections.
The polls were conducted to fill in the senatorial seat which was left vacant after the death of Minister of State for Manicaland province, Ellen Gwaradzimba, who died in January from COVID-19 related complications.
Zanu PF provincial vice-chairperson, Dorothy Mabika, who is a top ally of Manicaland provincial chairperson Mike Madiro was declared the winner.
Mabika polled 66 votes, with Gertrude Mutandi, who is a top ally of Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri, coming second (39 votes).
The other losing candidates were Manicaland women’s league chairperson Happiness Nyakuedzwa, former MP Irene Zindi, Judith Mawire and Sheila Mutsenhu.
Meanwhile, Zanu PF Manicaland political commissar Gift Kagweda insisted that the elections were conducted with the observance of all COVID-19 protocols. He said:
<blockquote>The election went on very well and we adhered to the World Health Organisation COVID-19 precautionary measures. I can confirm that Dorothy Mabika won the election.</blockquote>
This comes as the government, through the Health Minister and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, suspended by-elections to fill in vacant seats left by MDC Alliance members of Parliament and councillors who were controversially expelled by the Supreme Court reconstituted MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/02/zanu-pf-defy-covid-19-hold-elections-to-replace-gwaradzimba/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

ZANU PF Ignores Lockdown, Hold Elections In Mutare

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says nearly 10 000 people were arrested countrywide within three days for violating national lockdown regulations and this brings to over 400 000 the number of people arrested since 30 March 2020.
In a statement this Monday morning, police said they arrested 3 459 people on Friday, 3 641 on Saturday and 2 848 on Sunday for violating the stay at home order. The Statement read:
<blockquote>Since the onset of the national lockdown on 30 March 2020, a cumulative total of 403 544 people have been arrested for violating national lockdown measures.
Most of those arrested were in violation of movement restrictions. Members of the public are advised to comply with the measures put in place by the Government to reduce the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.</blockquote>
Early this year, the government imposed a strict Level Four lockdown to control an upsurge in coronavirus infections.
The stringent regulations were initially set to be in place for 30 days but the duration was later extended by 10 days to 15 February 2020.
Under Level Four national lockdown non-essential service providers are expected to close shop while the public is supposed to stay at home.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/just-in-countrywide-lockdown-blitz-nets-10-000/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Chronicle</a></h4>

Police Arrest Over 400 000 Lockdown Violators

While some health experts have recommended that the Government must consider easing tight lockdown restrictions, Mpilo hospital acting chief executive officer Professor Solwayo Ngwenya argued that it would be difficult for the country to do that at this point in time.
Prof Ngwenya said relaxing the coronavirus-induced lockdown could be catastrophic as it will most likely result in an upsurge in new infections.
He said countries that have relaxed lockdowns have been forced to go back to full-scale lockdown, and Zimbabwe will not be an exception. Said Prof Ngwenya:
<blockquote>Lockdowns and coronavirus are now a contentious subject because on one hand lockdowns cause a lot of economic disruptions.
On the other hand, from a health perspective, a full lockdown is necessary as it helps us contain this pandemic and avoid mass infections that might lead to the crippling of the health sector subsequently leading to mass deaths.
As a country, it is difficult for me to comment whether we are ready or not to relax the lockdown but from where I am, the community I work from, I believe if we downgrade it might be catastrophic because there is a lot of infections in the community and a lot of people that are not being tested.
The countries that are downgrading will actually soon go back to full-scale lockdowns, it’s a vicious cycle, you relax, infections surge and you go back to full-scale lockdown, but that is one thing which we have to accept because there is also the need for the economy to function.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA) president Dr Francis Chirowa said there is a need for Government to loosen up but not completely take away the lockdown.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/ease-lockdown-as-new-cases-decline-health-experts/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sunday News</a></h4>

Relaxing Lockdown Now Will Lead To Another Full-scale Containment - Prof Ngwenywa

Health experts have suggested that the government should begin relaxing the Level IV national lockdown for the sake of the economy since indications on the ground were that COVID-19 is now relatively under control.
Based on statistics from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, new coronavirus infections and COVID-19 deaths have fallen noticeably since stringent lockdown measures were imposed on 5 January this year.
At the first week of January when the country introduced the strict lockdown, the country recorded 6 008 new COVID-19 cases and 106 deaths, but new infections have gradually been falling, with 1 058 new infections recorded last week (as on Friday), albeit, with 110 deaths.
Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA) president Dr Francis Chirowa had this to say:
<blockquote>If it was just the pandemic alone, we would want to have an indefinite lockdown. But because the lockdown has its own effects on the economy, there is a need for Government to loosen up but not completely take it away.
All other measures such as social distancing, sanitisation and masking up should remain in place. Congregating should not be allowed at all while bars, saloons and churches should remain closed.
Also, the limited number of 30 people for funerals is okay. The challenge we have is that people that do not have comorbidities (chronic conditions) are young and very active and they may have the disease (Covid-19) but they may be asymptomatic and spreading it.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe World Health Organisation country representative Dr Alex Gasasira said citizens should simply follow the regulations and protocols to avoid a harsh lockdown. He said:
<blockquote>What we would recommend for people is to comply with Government regulations and limit movement, gathering and socialisation.
Compliance to these measures in the absence of lockdown would also mean the Government would not need to enforce the stringent measures.
… In other countries where there is compliance transmission has been kept low and they have relaxed their conditions. Lockdown is usually the last option.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the  Level Four lockdown is set to end on 15 February after it was extended by another 10 days.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/ease-lockdown-as-new-cases-decline-health-experts/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sunday News</a></h4>

Health Experts Call For Lockdown Relaxation

The ruling ZANU PF party has directed all its employees to report for duty on Monday, 8 February 2021 in spite of the current lockdown regulations.
In a circular addressed to all provincial chairpersons (Circular 2/2021), the party’s director-general D. Dzora said all party staff members should come to work in spite of the extension of the national lockdown by a further two weeks. He wrote:
<blockquote>This letter serves to inform you that all Party staff members are being required to report for duty on Monday 8th of February 2021 at 0800 hours as usual.
We are quite aware that lockdown has been extended for further two weeks.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, <a href="https://twitter.com/advocatemahere/status/1358007354374119424?s=20" rel="noopener" target="_blank">in a tweet</a> in which she tagged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), MDC Alliance national spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere queried why ZANU PF is not bound by the lockdown regulations when it is not an essential service.
Mahere challenged the police to put an end to ZANU PF impunity. Said Mahere:
<blockquote>Is Zanu PF an essential service?… Why is Zanu PF not bound by the lockdown regulations?… Why do you ignore their continued breaches? Are you captured?… This impunity must end.</blockquote>
Under Level IV lockdown, extended to 15 February 2021, only organisations classified under essential services are allowed to operate.
These include security organs, fuel service stations, the media, supermarkets, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, farmers, and miners among others.

ZANU PF Employees Defy Lockdown, MDC Alliance Unimpressed

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said over 3 500 people were arrested yesterday for various offences related to the violation of COVID-19 control measures.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said 894 people were arrested for failing to wear masks while 2 095 were nabbed for unnecessary movement.
This brings to 393 504 the cumulative total number of people who have been arrested for violating national lockdown measures since the onset of the national lockdown on 30 March 2020. Police said in the statement:
<blockquote>The ZRP confirms that on 04/02/21, 3 560 people were arrested for COVID-19 related contraventions, 894 were arrested for ‘failure to wear masks’ and 2 095 were arrested for ‘unnecessary movements’.
Since the onset of the national lockdown on 30/03/2020, a cumulative total of 393 504 people have been arrested for violating national lockdown measures. Most of those arrested were in violation of movement restrictions.
Members of the public are urged to comply with the measures put in place by Government to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.</blockquote>
By October last year, the government had reopened most sectors of the economy as coronavirus infection rates had fallen to manageable levels.
However, on 5 January 2021, the government reimposed strict lockdown measures for a month in a bid to contain unprecedented COVID-19 infections which were threatening to spiral out of control.
The 30-day national lockdown was subsequently extended by another 10 days to 15 February 2021.

393 504 Arrested For Covid-related Contraventions

A school head in Nyanga and three teachers were last week jailed for opening a school and conducting lessons in violation of current COVID-19 lockdown measures.
Maxwell Marombedza (56), a principal at Apex College, and the three teachers; namely Timothy Nyagadza (59), Tinashe Tsara (31) and Allan Musakanda (36) were last week dragged before a magistrate.
The quartet appeared before Nyanga magistrate, Annie Ndiraya, charged with opening an educational institution to learners not exempted during the national lockdown.
The suspects were each ordered to pay $50 000 or spend six months in jail after another six months were conditionally suspended for five years.
Meanwhile, Officer Commanding Manicaland Police (operations) Assistant Commissioner Johannes Chinembiri Govo on Thursday asserted that the wanton violation of lockdown restrictions will end soon. He said:
<blockquote>We have noted with concern that there are some sections of the society who are not taking the Covid-19 restrictions seriously.
There is unnecessary movement and pirate taxis are still operating ferrying people across towns.
This is coming to an end as we are rolling our strict measures to ensure that people comply with the law.
We will constantly monitor roadblocks across the province to ensure that our officers are complying to given directives.
Some people are not taking curfew seriously and we have heightened patrols to ensure compliance.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/head-teachers-jailed-for-conducting-lessons/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Manica Post</a></h4>

Headmaster Fined $50k For Conducting Lessons During Lockdown

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has deployed senior officers to be in charge of security checkpoints along all major roads in a move meant to tighten the current Level IV lockdown measures.
In a memo to all officers commanding districts, Officer Commanding Police Harare Province said as from last Monday, inspectors should be in charge at roadblocks. The memo read in part:
<blockquote>An inspector should be deployed at busy roadblocks in big cities so that correct decisions are made.
At other checkpoints, a sergeant or assistant Inspector should be in charge depending on the level of activities at that particular point.</blockquote>
This comes as the government doubled fines for non-custodial offences with a person found in public without a face covering facing a penalty of RTGS$5 000.
As of Wednesday, 27 January 2020, Zimbabwe had recorded 32 304 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 23 687 recoveries and 1 122 deaths.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/police-tighten-lockdown-enforcement-deploy-senior-cops-at-checkpoints/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

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