The government has warned citizens against complacency during the Easter holidays saying unnecessary travelling could trigger a spike in new COVID-19 cases.
The national Covid-19 Coordinator in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Agnes Mahomva urged people to adhere to the stipulated health regulations.
“Just like what we did when we came to the end of the first wave, people got complacent then we got a spike. We are saying as we go to the Easter holiday let us stick to the lockdown measures to avoid a spike.
“We don’t urge people to travel unnecessarily, particularly during this period and we are strengthening up our systems because what we know is that complacency is likely to trigger cases to go up,” she said.
Easter holidays are traditionally associated with a lot of movement and merry-making.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner General Godwin Matanga urged the public to take note of the government advice to defer unnecessary travel to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The police will that all visitors to the country comply with the safety and health measures pronounced by President Mnangagwa. No movements to and from boarding schools by either parents or pupils will be allowed on Police checkpoints and road blocks,” said Matanga.
“May I take this opportunity to warn bars and night club operators that they must religiously comply with the Government’s directive to remain closed. Anyone who disregards the directive will be dealt with in terms of the country’s laws,” added Matanga.
Speaking in the Senate last week, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said security will be beefed up during the holiday to ensure adherence to Covid-19 containment regulations, amid expectations of an increase in human traffic countrywide.
Doctors said the third wave will be much stronger than the last two waves if people relax and fail to abide by Covid-19 prevention protocols.
