Cabinet has directed that bars and night clubs should remain closed indefinitely in face of the threat of a third wave of the coronavirus.
This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Wednesday. She said:
Cabinet remains cognisant of the need to fully open all economic activities. However, in the face of the threat of a Third Wave, Cabinet has deferred consideration of the opening of bars and night clubs until further notice.
Mutsvangwa also said Cabinet noted the absenteeism of some teachers from their work stations and as a result, the government would strictly enforce the no work, no pay policy. Said Mutsvangwa:
Cabinet was informed that the number of teachers reporting for duty had decreased.
It is further noted that some of those reporting for duty are not teaching.
Cabinet wishes to reiterate that negotiations for improved conditions of service remain open under the National Joint Negotiating Council and that the no work, no pay policy will be strictly enforced.
Meanwhile, Cabinet did not address the critical shortage of buses for transporting the public but warned transporters allegedly violating COVID-19 regulations that they will be dealt with. Mutsvangwa said:
Regarding Public Transport, Cabinet noted with concern the increased flouting of COVID-19 prevention control measures in the public transport system.
In this regard, Cabinet agreed that Law and Order should increase surveillance on public transporters.