The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
COVID-19 cases are on the increase nationwide, with Manicaland recording the highest number of cases in the country last week, a situation largely attributed to complacency caused by assumptions that the pandemic was no longer an issue.
According to a Post-Cabinet Briefing report released on Tuesday, Manicaland recorded the highest number of new cases.
“The following areas recorded the most significant number of new cases: Manicaland (863), Mashonaland East (609), Masvingo (584), and Mashonaland West (378),” reads part of the report presented by Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa.
In an interview with The Manica Post, Manicaland Provincial Epidemiology Diseases Control Officer, Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga said communities are now complacent as people are no longer observing Covid-19 prevention protocols.
“It is clear that people are no longer observing Covid-19 prevention protocols. This is happening in our everyday lives and in the communities we live in. Shop owners are no longer taking seriously the issue of hand sanitisers.
“When you enter some shops you come across non-functional sanitiser dispensers, while some are just placed at the entrance empty.
“The same goes with individuals. People are no longer wearing face masks. In fact, one would be surprised to meet someone properly wearing a face mask. There is a general belief or assumption that Covid-19 is over,” said Dr Mukuzunga.
He added that there will be a campaign to enlighten people that the pandemic is still wrecking havoc in our communities.
“We will have a campaign to enlighten people that Covid-19 is still around. We need to protect ourselves and not wait until we start experiencing deaths. We need to start taking precaution measures seriously.
“The campaign will also cover issues relating to vaccination. We really need to make sure that we reach herd immunity and also encourage those who are yet to be vaccinated to do so. We also encourage people to take booster shots and protect themselves from contracting the disease.
“We think all the myths that were being peddled on issues to do with vaccination have proved to be false. No one died after being vaccinated. Vaccination is meant for your own protection and people need to know that,” said Dr Mukuzunga.
The Post Cabinet Report also noted an increase in new cases countrywide.
“The nation is advised that as of March 6, 2022, Zimbabwe’s cumulative Covid-19 cases stood at 239 209, with 228 774 recoveries and 5 339 deaths. The recovery rate stood at 96 percent, with 5 066 active cases having been recorded.
“This week the number of cases recorded went up to 3 234, compared to 2 623 last week. Cabinet reports that during the week under review, the number of people in need of hospitalisation for Covid-19 increased,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She said there were no admissions in Intensive Care Units during the week under review.
“The bed occupancy rate increased from two percent last week to 3, 2 percent. A total of 81 new admissions were recorded during the week, compared to 51 last week.
“No patient was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit during the week. It is reported that an increase in mobility and the number of gatherings across the country following the relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions contributed to the increase in cases.
“On the national vaccination programme, as of March 6, a total of 4 373 737 first doses had been administered, with 3 407 979 people having received their second dose and 140 252 their third dose,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She said the Covid-19 situation in schools is under control.
“The nation is informed that teacher attendance rose to 93,4 percent. Covid-19 surveillance continues in schools. While there were reported cases in schools, there were no severe cases and no reported hospital admission.
“Cabinet advises that as the country continues to relax Covid-19 restrictions, risk based Covid-19 prevention measures must be promoted. Furthermore, all businesses, communities and individuals are encouraged to pay attention to all Covid-19 prevention measures during gatherings. All Covid-19 regulations should continue to be strictly adhered to,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
