The Government has expressed concern over citizens’ complacency in following COVID-19 control measures as the possibility of a fifth wave looms.
On Thursday, COVID-19 national task force chief coordinator Agnes Mahomva revealed that on Tuesday and Wednesday, 317 and 259 new cases were recorded, respectively.
Mahomva noted that rising coronavirus infections in neighbouring South Africa put Zimbabwe at risk. She said:
We are concerned because the community is complacent. At the moment, we are very aware that South Africa is having increased cases and because of the borders and proximity, we are concerned.
Though we are witnessing increased numbers, if we continue following control measures, we will be fine because inasmuch as the cases are increasing, fatalities are still low.
Meanwhile, despite schools emerging as potential COVID-19 hotspots, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said the situation is under control. Ndoro said:
There is no need to panic. We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care by providing vaccination to all eligible learners.
These vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective and we are no longer anxious about whether there will be any disruption to learning and teaching because of the virus.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Zimbabwe office on Thursday said COVID-19 lockdown measures have increased risks among children and adolescents, contributing to increased mental health challenges.