Media Brief: Minister Of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services
Good evening my fellow Zimbabweans,
Today the National Taskforce on COVID19 met and received reports from its Subcommittees and also to deliberate on the following matters:
COVID19 TESTING AND TREATMENT
The National Taskforce was given an update on the COVID19 confirmed cases as reported on 21 June 2020. Positive cases stand at 489, of these 417 are imported cases, with South Africa, Botswana and the UK being the major contributors, while 72 are local cases.
In light of the increase in COVID19 cases, awareness campaigns in communities on the epidemic have been intensified, with reinforcement of WHO guidelines underway.
Additionally, we have strengthened our surveillance, management and treatment plans and the COVID19 response plan is being fine-tuned. We are paying particular attention to prevalence, areas of high concentration, management of quarantines, treatment and isolation centres.
Presently, all the District, Provincial and Infectious diseases hospitals are now ready to admit COVID19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms that cannot self-isolate in their homes.
Our stocks of drugs and medicines used in the treatment of COVID19 symptoms continue to increase. Presently our stocks include 27.6 million of paracetamol tablets, paracetamol syrup and 2.1 million Vitamin C tablets.
Some of our local pharmaceutical companies have in stock some drugs that are being used to manage COVID19 cases internationally such as dexamethasone which is now being used in UK, ramsidivir which is being used in USA and hydroxchloroquine.
QUARANTINE CENTRES
The National Taskforce noted that presently active quarantine facilities under Government sponsorship across the country stand at 43; while there are 37 private quarantine centres with the majority being in Harare. To date, a total of 9735 persons have been housed at these quarantine facilities, 6801 have been discharged and current enrolment is at 1944. Government continues to enhance systems in order to better manage quarantine facilities and ensure the safety of both returnees and staff.
It has been noted that some returnees are failing to adhere to protective and preventative measures that have been put in place to curb in-house transmission. The purpose of quarantine centres is to screen all those who are coming from outside so that we contain the spread of the virus. Government urges returnees to be responsible citizens as they risk infecting each other if they do not adhere to the protective and preventative measures, within the quarantine facilities. The Taskforce noted that cases of quarantine absconders have gone down with seven returnees absconding last week.
The decrease in the number of absconders is attributed to increased security at quarantine centres and implementation of the Cabinet Directive to withhold returnees’ travel documents upon arrival at ports of entry. As for diplomats, foreign envoys enjoy diplomatic immunity and are only subjected to normal screening in accordance to health protocols upon arrival to the country. They are then allowed to proceed home for self- quarantine at their private residences under the supervision of their respective Heads of Mission.
However, Zimbabwean diplomats, upon return are treated as ordinary returning citizens and are expected to comply with quarantine protocols.
RETURNEES AND REPATRIATION
Government continues to facilitate the repatriation of our citizens in South Africa from the 2600 who initially registered for repatriation. In this regard, 137 Zimbabwean nationals were repatriated from Durban and KZN on 19 June 2020.
In regards to the repatriation of students from foreign countries, it has been established that there are no students on Government scholarships who have signaled a desire to be repatriated back home. However, the only exceptions were 5 students from India, who have since arrived in the country.
Negotiations are underway with financial institutions to set up an ad- hoc ticket loan facility that could enable the purchase of tickets by families who wish to repatriate students who have been self-funding their studies abroad. Families in Zimbabwe would be able to borrow money from such a facility to purchase one-way tickets. The terms and conditions of such a loan facility would be subject to the financial institutions’ internal policies.
Government wishes to commend our staff at our embassies and consulates abroad that have been working and liaising with citizens and students to ensure that their smooth repatriation back home.
On a sad note, the nation is informed that the Consulate in Johannesburg has temporarily closed after two confirmed cases of COVID19 were recorded among the officers. The officers who tested positive had been to Limpopo and Lindela Detention Centre to screen and assist Zimbabweans who were being repatriated home. The total number of recorded positive cases among Consulate staff and dependents now stands at six.
The Consulate is now offering most of its services online to reduce the exposure of officers to contact with those seeking consular services. Meanwhile, two of those who tested positive have been checked into an isolation lodge away from their families.
FOOD AND WATER SUSTAINABILITY
It can be recalled that when Zimbabwe went into a total lockdown at the end of March 2020, places of safety were established to house children and adults living and working on the streets. The National Taskforce received an update from the Food and Water Sustainability Subcommittee on the five main places of safety in Harare, Midlands, Manicaland and Bulawayo Provinces.
It was reported that significant progress has been made in rehabilitating and reuniting inhabitants with their families. There are some 55 inhabitants whose families are still being trained and we hope they will also be reunited with their families soon.
Transport and Logistics
Following reports on erratic hours of operation by some fuel retail outlets, The Attorney General has clarified that fuel retail outlets are classified as an essential service under the lockdown regulations. As such, retail outlets are allowed to conduct trade during their normal hours of operation. Their hours of operation are not confined to 8am to 4.30pm which applies to some other exempted categories of business.
(Conclusion)
My fellow Zimbabweans, ours is a war against an enemy which cannot be identified by the naked eye, and so it requires us to be vigilant at all times. Protective and preventative measures are not suggestions, but requirements which have been put in place to prevent the spread and transmission of COVID19.
There are some among us who are relaxing and this puts not only themselves, but those around them and the nation at risk. Our law enforcement agents will continue to be at hand to assist those who forget that we are still under lockdown, albeit an eased lockdown and as such we should act accordingly.
Let us stay safe out there.
Minister Of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services, Hon Monica Mutsvangwa
Repatriation Information – SA to Zim by Road
In order to gain clearance to travel via road to Zimbabwe, you will need to get clearance from DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Co-operation). This clearance comes in the form of a letter, and spreadsheet with your particulars included.
Contact the Zimbabwe Consulate Mr Shumba (head of Admin), who will send you the official excel template.
Email: zimpretoria@gmail.com
Please do not apply to DRICO directly – you will be rerouted back to your consulate. Mr Shumba will apply to DIRCO on your behalf
On the official consulate issued excel spreadsheet, you will be required to provide the following details:
- Full name
- Passport details
- Travel method to the SA border (including registration of vehicle)
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Storm Motors
Zimbabwean registered vehicles can travel through from SA to Zimbabwe with the permission from DIRCO/ZIM Consulate – ensuring you have papers to safely travel interstate in SA.
If you do not have a Zimbabwean vehicle in SA – Storm Motors is an option for you to travel to SA border.
They can arrange private transport from JHB to the SA border on your ‘confirmed date of travel’ from DIRCO/ZIM CONSULATE.
Book
Sean – Storm Motors
Tel 1: +27 728 224 579
Tel 2: +27 716 048 150
Tel 3: +27 824 429 973
R3,700
Sedan- Includes fuel
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immigration
Storm Motors will arrange vehicle clearance to move interstate in SA
They will also take you through SA immigration & deliver you to the Foot & Mouth checkpoint on the SA side of the bridge
You will then travel on foot across the bridge making sure you stop at the white medical COVID container on the right-hand side for screening & COVID questioning.
Two police officers will escort you through the Zimbabwean immigration process
Zimbabwe Immigration is also relatively quick due to limited activity on the border post. If you are able, arrange private transport (ie: family deliver a vehicle to BB for you). They can park the car at Zim Immigration Car Park for you to collect.
Once you have cleared Zim immigration, the police officers will then direct you to Rainbow for COVID testing.
Please note: you must travel through the border on your confirmed date of travel from DIRCO, and no other – as the SA immigration officer is provided with your details and confirmation for a particular day
SA Immigration (if you are on the list) is relatively quick.
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covid testing
On entry to the COVID testing sight, there are a group of policemen on the left hand side who you have to register your particulars with (passport etc)
Inside, the test is conducted with a nurse. They are very understaffed, so this does take time
Once approved negative, you go to the Admin section – where they do the necessary paperwork for COVID
clearance
The third office is Social Welfare – where they plan your transport back to various provinces
If you are travelling by bus, this is where you will be directed to the bus for your province.
Private cars need to go in convoy with the police and these buses.
Bus and convoy does not have a regular schedule, so you would have to ask social welfare whilst there when the next bus is leaving.
There are limited ablutions (clean) and shade at the Rainbow Hotel, so please be aware that if you are required to wait for a bus or convoy or sleep the night – it will be in a well-lit car park, but with limited access to bathrooms, food or shade when required.
If travelling with children – please bear this in mind.
One must have all their private quarantine paperwork in hand at all times (confirmation of booking, confirmation of lodge as a quarantine facility)
Once approved to travel to respective province, you will then need to seek clearance from police at the gate to exit the quarantine facility, accompanied by all the paperwork from social welfare.
Travelling by road through the borders, and COVID testing, is a long day (7.5 hours in Beitbridge in total).
The bus and convoy can leave at night on the Masvingo road, which must be taken slowly and carefully as there are extensive roadworks.
Would highly recommend the BYO road if at all possible.
Wishing all our Zimbabweans a safe trip home to their loved ones!
Repatriation Information – SA to Zim by Air
We hope this outline provides assistance and information for those trying to repatriate from South Africa to Zimbabwe – based on the experiences of some repatriated Zimbabwe citizens.
Returnees to ZIM must be Zimbabwean citizens or permanent residents of Zimbabwe
-
- Upon return to Zimbabwe, one must go into quarantine for 21 days
- Private quarantine is 8 days in the private facility and then 14 days at home
- Government quarantine is 21 days in the Govt facility
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REPATRIATION VIA FLIGHT FROM SA (JHB) TO ZIM (HRE)
FASTJET successfully had their first repatriation flight on Friday 29th May 2020.
To gain information on repatriation flights, please contact Julian Edmunds
Tel: +263 78 673 7903
email: julian.edmunds@fastjet.com
Next Flight
June
+ every 10 Days
USD$380
One Way- Incl. bus from Zimbabwe Consulate in JHB to OR Tambo
This flight operates between JHB and HARARE at the moment. Please contact Julian for more info on return loads to from HRE to JHB.
They have more flights scheduled, but Julian would need to have your details in order to register you for a flight including:
-
- FULL NAME
- PASSPORT NUMBER
- DOB
- ISSUE AND EXPIRY DATES OF PASSPORT
- ADDRESS IN ZIMBABWE
- ADDRESS IN SOUTH AFRICA
- DESTINATIONS VISITE WITHIN LAST 2 MONTHS (likely only SA, but just highlight)
It is advisable to contact Mr Shumba at the Zimbabwe Consulate in Pretoria to notify him of your movements
Email: zimpretoria@gmail.com
Fastjet work to confirm a group to fly together through the Zimbabwe Consulate.
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PRIVATE CHARTER FLIGHT
Private Charter flights are also available – please contact Halsteds Aviation Corporation (HAC)
Email: bookings@haczim.com
Tel: +263 242 302 353
Tel 2: +263 778 750 086
They are extremely helpful and efficient if this is an option you select.
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QUARANTINE & MEDICAL INFORMATION
Contact ZINCAT for private quarantine options and medical advice for returning home
What To Do If an Employee Tests Positive For Covid-19
Governments the world over are relaxing lockdown regulations as economies re-open. Our lives including workplaces have been significantly impacted by the virus. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19 employers need to act responsibly so that the risk can be mitigated to co-workers and they feel more secure. Here we present 5steps to take should an employee test positive.
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Re-assure & offer support
With so much news all over about Covid-19, an employee is likely anxious when they receive a positive test result. They may be worried about their own health or if they have infected co-workers or their family. It is important as the employer to be supportive and reassure the employee that you will walk the journey together. Being sympathetic will go a long way in assisting a worker cope with the test result.
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Notify authorities
Covid-19 is a highly infectious and notifiable disease which has to be reported to the Ministry of Health and Child Care. It is likely that when a patient receives their result the Ministry of Health Rapid Response Team have already been notified by the National Reference Lab or the private lab which ran the test. However, just make sure the authorities know. In the event they have not been notified, call their hotline on the toll-free number 2019.
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Follow-up close contacts
A worker who tests positive for Covid-19 and all their close contacts in the preceding 14 days will have to self-isolate. A positive patient will have to isolate until recovery and close contacts for at least 14 days. Close contacts are defined as people who has been within 6 feet (1.8m) of a positive person for a prolonged time. Close contacts are likely to be co-workers and clients.
It is important to remember that Covid-19 patients have a right to confidentiality and you do not have to divulge their identity unless if it is absolutely necessary in identifying at risk contacts. With the help of the employee, identify and reach out all close contacts so that they can isolate.
This process is smoother if conducted with the assistance of the Ministry of Health Rapid Response Team. All close contacts will need to be tested at the end of their isolation to make sure they are free of the virus.
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Deep-Clean
The Ministry of Health and Child Care requires that a premise where the positive person was working be fumigated. The workspace(s) used by the person who tested positive should be closed-off and only re-opened after fumigation. It is advisable to engage the services of a professional cleaning company for fumigation.
After disinfection, the area should not be used for at least 24 hours or get advice from the Fumigation Company and Ministry of Health on when it can be re-opened.
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Inform All Employees
Transparency is of utmost importance as rumours can be malicious and damaging. It is easier if employees learn that a co-worker tested positive from the company. Notify employees on the steps that have and will be taken to allay any fears they may have. Again, keep the employees’ name confidential unless they volunteer to disclose their name.
Zimbabwe Embassies
BOTSWANA: Gaborone
Ambassador Mr. B.H. Mukonoweshuro
Tel: +267 3 914495 / 914495/6/7
Telex: 0962-2701
Fax: +267 3905863
Website: http://www.zimgaborone.gov.zw/
Email: zimembassy@zimgaborone.gov.zw
KENYA: Nairobi
Ambassador Mrs. Winipeg Moyo
Tel: +254 20 374 4052 / 374 6546
Telex: 0987-2503 / 582957
Fax: +254 20 374 8079
Email: zimnairobi@zimfa.gov.zw
MALAWI: Lilongwe
Ambassador Mrs. H. Mafudze
Tel: +265 1 774 988 / 997 / 413
Fax: +265 1 772 382
Email: zimlilongwe@zimfa.gov.zw
MOZAMBIQUE: MAPUTO
Ambassador Lt. Gen (Rtd Douglas Nyikayaramba
Tel: +258 21 490 404 / 488-887
Telex: 0992-6542
Fax: +258 21 492 237
Email: zimmaputo@zimfa.gov.zw
NAMIBIA: Wondkoek
Ambassador Mrs. R. Chikava
Tel: +264 61 227738 / 227204 / 228137
Fax: +264 61 226859
Telex: 0908886
Email: izimwindhoek@zimfa.gov.zw
SOUT AFRICA: Pretoria
Ambassador Mr. D. Hamadziripi
Tel: +27 12 342 5125
Fax: +27 12 342 5126
ZAMBIA: Lusaka
Ambassador Ms. G.R. Takawira
Tel: +260 211 254006 / 254012
Fax: +260 211 254046
Email: zimlusaka@zimfa.gov.zw
*Information from ZIMFA
Advice For Returning Residents To Zimbabwe, By Road
Addresses of Zimbabwe Embassies of all the above countries can be found here.
The same procedure below needs to be followed by all returning by road
- APPLY FOR A DIRCO (Department of International Relations & Cooperative Operations) through the Zimbabwean Embassy of the Country you are wanting to leave. Stipulate the number of people in your vehicle and vehicle registration. On application you will be given a date to travel.
- To drive family from border to Harare (Paying Accommodation), you will require:
- Written permission from the Ministry of Health and Child Care,
- a letter from ZINCAT with confirmed accommodation booking
- A Clearing Agent at the Border can drive a Zimbabwe car to the bridge (this will be arranged at the border).
- After clearing customs, you will be taken to Rainbow Hotel – PORT HEALTH for testing (Take paper to sign hand-written affidavits). The procedure could take up to 8 hours. Crossing the border is straight forward (One Day is given to cross).
- Ministry of Health/Quarantine will provide a police convoy straight to booked accommodation with no diversions.
South Africa: Pretoria
Ambassador Mr. D. Hamadziripi
Tel: +27 123 425 125 | +27 659 705 390 | +27 617 058 848 | +27 762 762 873
Fax: +27 123 425 126
Email: zimpretoria@zimfa.gov.zw or zimpretoria@gmail.com
Sisonke Transport Services
Repatriation Transfers Through Out South Africa & Neighbouring States
Email: info@sisonketransferservices.co.za
open 24 hours.
Tel: +27 832 255 585
*Information Accurate as of 27 May 2020
Updates on the lockdown regulations as of Saturday 16th May
On Saturday 16th of May the president announced that the lockdown will be continuing indefinitely with regular two week intervals to assess the situation.
The following changes have been made:
- Testing will be increased
All businesses are allowed to stay open until 4:30pm, but they must continue to enforce social distancing between customers. - Low risk sporting codes are allowed to open
Archery, swimming, athletics, cycling, rowing, equestrian events, fencing, golf, tennis, gymnastics, motor sports, BMX, shooing, tennis, chess, darts, draughts, and pool. - Walking and jogging areas are now allowed to open.
- Designated food markets will be allowed to open.
- Mandatory testing of truck drivers and other high risk populations
The guidelines that remain unchanged:
- Social distancing (leave a 2 meter gap between yourself and the next person)
- Once you leave your place of residence it is mandatory to wear a mask over both your nose and mouth.
- At entrances into all buildings, shops and various centres it is mandatory to have a temperature checking station and a hand sanitising station for both customers and staff members
- All public and private centres must be disinfected
- Public exam classes at colleges, universities and schools will be allowed to open for final year students
- 21-day isolation is mandatory for returning residents,
- a rapid test is done on day 1,
- a PCR test will be done on day 8 (if this test comes back negative the individual will be able to return home for the duration of their quarantine),
- and a second PCR test is done on day 21
- Gathering of less than 50 people can occur as long as social distancing can take place and all individuals must wear a mask
- Bars and gyms will remain closed
- Gatherings for worship, funerals, weddings, political rallies remain enforced
- Restaurants can only open up for take-aways
- Intercity and cross boarder travel remain banned
- The only public transport available continues to only be ZUPCO
It is important that as a community we act responsibly during this pandemic, irresponsible behaviour could result in a spike in the number of cases of COVID-19 which would put vulnerable peoples’ lives at risk, and this could result in a retraction of such privileges
Guidelines for Low Risk Sporting Codes
Zimbabwe’s president H.E Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, on Saturday extended the country’s coronavirus lockdown for an “indefinite period”. However, low-risk sporting codes will be allowed.
Archery
Athletics
BMX
Chess
Cycling
Darts
Draughts
Equestrian Events
Fencing
Golf
Gymnastics
Motor Sports
Rowing
Tennis
Guidelines
Failure to comply with the guidelines set out, will be found guilty of an offence, and liable to a fine not exceeding level 12. Or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 1 year; or to both such fine and imprisonment.
- Opening times 8am- 4:30pm
- No more than 50 spectators
- Social distancing among spectators must be enforced.
- All staff, athletes and spectators must have their temperature checked and their hands sanitised before entering the facility.
- Athletes should sanitise their hands before, during and after the sporting event.
- All staff and spectators must wear a mask over both their nose and mouth at all times.
- Athletes must not share sports equipment, towels, laundry, consumables, water bottles, cups etc.
- Sports staff must have PPE and sanitize equipment on hand, and PPE must not be shared
- Gloves must be worn by every member of staff handling sports equipment, clothing etc, or if they have physical contact with the players
- No liquor is to be sold on these premises until further notice. • Liquor should also not be brought to the event
- Persons competing or spectating must be willing to submit to screening and testing for COVID-19 if a law enforcement officer demands it.
- Individuals should sanitise their hands before and after entering the bathrooms.
- The use of public showers should be banned.
- Bathrooms should be sanitised at regular intervals throughout the event.
- If these guidelines are not followed all individuals will be required to leave the premises and return home.
- All individuals are expected to disperse and return home as soon as the event is over.
- Any law enforcement officer has full access to ensure compliance of the above guidelines.
It is important that as a community we act responsibly during this pandemic, irresponsible behaviour could result in a spike in the number of cases of COVID-19 which would put vulnerable peoples’ lives at risk, and this could result in a retraction of such privileges
Protocol for Returning to Work
H.E. President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced on 2nd of May that the lockdown will be extended until the 17th of May. However, the government is allowing businesses in the private sector (i.e. companies with shop licences and who are VAT registered) to open.
Softening the negative impact on the economy
This will help to ease monetary shortages, while keeping individuals safe from the virus, and containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The government plan to publish exact guidelines for companies to follow in the next couple of days.
Returning to work Guidelines
Employees and employers are required to be tested for COVID-19.
This must be done using a test that has been approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, and at a medical institution that has been designated by the Government to test for the COVID-19 virus.
All government, municipality and mission hospitals, and selected private facilities, will be doing the testing.
CIMAS Labs:
Contact: 0782704890 | 0782704890
PCR TEST
$N/A
not currently conducting
RAPID TEST
$25
per test
- Available to non members
- Limited to 60 people per day
- Call-out available for large companies (50+ employees)
PSMI:
Price and testing procedure coming soon.
If you’re a large company (50+ employees), it may be possible for testing clinics to come to your place of work.
While outdoors
It is important to follow the guidelines set out by the government not only to keep you and your employees safe but also to prevent harsh penalties for not following them.
- Keep your results: It is also important to keep your testing results as these will be your certification that you had the test done and that you have tested negative for the virus.
- Wear a face mask: The government also announced that it is mandatory to wear a mask over your nose and mouth when you leave your place of residence.
Not everything has changed
- Social distancing is still in place, which means that you must have 2 meters between yourself and the next person, and this is also true for the work place.
- Each entrance into the building must have a temperature checking station as well as disinfectant station.
- ZUPCO buses are still the only form of public transport available, these buses are sterilised twice a day. Each passenger has their temperature checked and they are required to sanitize their hands on entering the buses.
- Company representatives are still required to carry a letter from their employee with their ID number, which they will be asked to produce at check points.
