COVID-19 Pandemic Remains Under Control - Govt

The government has said COVID-19 remains under control in the country with the recovery rate now at 98 per cent and active cases down to 493.

Addressing the media after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, said:

The nation is advised that, as of 4 December 2022, the country’s cumulative cases since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 stood at 259 356, with 253 241 recoveries and 5 622 cumulative deaths.

The recovery rate was 98%, with 493 active cases having been reported. The scientific indicators show that the pandemic remains under control. The country, nonetheless, should remain vigilant against COVID-19.

Mutsvangwa said the government will strengthen the enforcement of COVID-19 regulations during the Christmas and New Year period in all provinces. She said:

Enforcement of COVID-19 regulations will also be strengthened, especially during the festive season.

Regarding the national vaccination programme, Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that, as at 4 December 2022, a total of 6 574 434 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been administered, while 4 924 009 people had received their second dose, and 1 253 395 their third dose. This translates to national coverage of 58.5%.

She also said the Ministry of Health and Child Care will soon introduce a vaccination plan and electronic register.

Mutsvangwa said this will enable teams to easily identify and follow up with those who have not yet received their second or third dose. She added:

This approach will not only help to increase the COVID-19 vaccine uptake but will also strengthen the under-five-year-old Expanded Programme on Immunisation.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that at least 90% of the world’s population now has some immunity to SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus that causes COVID-19), due to prior infection or vaccination.