The ManicaPost
IN response to the increasing cases of Covid-19 infections and deaths, Government has reduced the number of staff physically reporting for duty from 40 percent to 10 percent for all line ministries, departments and agencies.
Many companies have also managed to decongest their offices, while most churches have taken heed of Government’s directive discouraging public gatherings.
However, a section of society remains defiant as it goes about its business without a care in the world.
At funerals, hugs and handshakes continue to be exchanged generously, with the need for physical distancing casually dismissed. Mourners often exceed the 30 people cap.
People continue to travel between cities despite the recent ban on intercity travel. With public transport off the roads connecting the country’s towns and cities, the public jostle to secure seats on private vehicles and pirate taxis.
Some notorious cross-border bus operators continue with their business operations as they cross into Mozambique and South Africa, among other neighbouring countries. As they do so illegally, they evade Covid-19 screening and therefore the virus is imported and exported out of the country in equal measure.
Indeed, the insatiable adoration for cash has seen motorists and transporters chasing dirty bank notes at the expense of public health.
Then there are the supermarkets where shoppers are spending considerable time as some visit them every day. If only the public could adjust accordingly and keep the shop visits at a minimum for the purposes of replenishing household stocks.
In addition, Sakubva’s Musika weHuku, Sakubva’s Bako Flea Market, the Evergreen Market and the Hot Dogs, among other informal markets across the province, continue to be hives of activity as people jostle for vegetables and second hand clothes.
With most workplaces decongested, it seems as if the multitudes have simply been redirected to the shops, the informal markets and the social gatherings.
Some are even taking the time off work to visit their relatives.
While the Government and the several other employers are clearly concerned about the health of Zimbabwean people, are we in earnest concerned about our own health?
It appears as if where Covid-19 is concerned, most people still have their guard down.
Yet this is the time to reinforce our commitment to safeguarding public health. Religiously following the World Health Organisation’s recommendations on how to stop the spread of Covid-19 is our only way out.
It is crucial to remember that the virus does not move. We move and carry it from Point A to Point B. If we have the virus and we keep moving, we spread it. However, if we stay put, the virus will run its natural course and eventually die.
Therefore physical distancing, good hygienic practices, avoiding crowds and meetings, working remotely, and joining online religious services will surely get the virus under control.
In fact, physical distancing has been at the centre of the virus’ containment worldwide. However, this is a decision that is supposed to be made and implemented at a personal level for the benefit of the entire country.
The famous scientist who co-discovered Ebola, Peter Piot, recently warned that no country has the resources to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic when it reaches peak levels. He highlighted that the only answer to the pandemic is to prevent its spread.
Never in the history of the world has there ever been a crisis simultaneously touching every corner of the globe, a health crisis demanding such massive socio-economic adjustments; and yet here we are, fighting Covid-19 and winning one day at a time.
If we adhere to the regulations, we shall conquer this virus and travel again, we shall meet our family and friends and celebrate in our hundreds.
But for now, let us observe physical distancing, mask up and venture outdoors only when absolutely necessary.
