The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Post Correspondent
Physical distancing and proper wearing of face masks in public places is still a challenge that requires behavioural change, experts have said.
The public has also been discouraged from being complacent as the fight against Covid-19 is far from over.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana said this when he recently met journalists in Mutare.
“Our approach as we ease the lockdown has been measured because we cannot open the floodgates. As a country we have been doing so well in containing Covid-19 and we need to mantain that the measures put in place.
“While most of the sectors are now open, it’s the wrong time for us to be reckless as second waves of Covid-19 are still being recorded across the world,” said Mr Mangwana.
Meanwhile, speaking during an awareness campaign organised by the Community Working Group on Health in conjunction with Mutare City’s Department of Health and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the organisation’s communications officer, Mr Caiphas Chimhete said the public needs to be conscientised about the Covid-19 pandemic.
The campaign covered Chikanga, Hobhouse and Dangamvura high-density suburbs.
Said Mr Chimhete: “We are determined to see the Covid-19 pandemic being eradicated through the World Health Organisation’s guidelines.
“Chikanga, Dangamvura and Hobhouse are Mutare’s Covid-19 hotspots and therefore the public needs to be conscientised about the pandemic.
“We have realised that some residents are not wearing face masks properly. They are also not observing physical distancing. There is need for behavioural change.”
The team toured Chikanga Clinic, the ever-crowded Chikanga Sports Field Market, Hobhouse and Dangamvura.
City of Mutare community health nurse, Ms Catherine Berejena said: “We do not expect people to relax. Covid-19 is still out there. We will continue to disseminate information on how people can protect themselves.”
