Lockdown extension in Zimbabwe: how much longer?

Lockdown extension in Zimbabwe: how much longer?

The President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, announced (on July 13, 2021) the extension of the COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown in the Country for an additional two weeks. The decision to extend the harsh lockdown was motivated by the rising levels of COVID-19 infections, with 2661 new COVID-19 cases and 51 COVID-19-induced deaths recorded on July 13, 2021. 

 

Initially, the government of Zimbabwe imposed the Level 4 lockdown in the Country on June 29, 2021, outlining stricter national COVID-19 regulations, such as a curfew from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., limited business working hours, reduced workplace capacity, suspension of intercity travel, and a ban on large gatherings. In addition, Level 4 lockdown provides for stiffer penalties for violations of the COVID-19 regulations, including the termination of business licenses. 

 

President Emmerson Mnangagwa further elaborated on the Level 4 lockdown extension, as it would allow the government of Zimbabwe to accelerate the vaccination against the COVID-19 virus. As of July 13, 2021, more than 595,000 (five hundred ninety-five thousand) had been fully vaccinated, constituting 4 percent of Zimbabwe’s 15.1 million population (2021). During the extended lockdown period, the government of Zimbabwe plans to vaccinate an additional 1,000,000 (one million) people, giving priority to the residents of rural communities. 

 

For more information, please see https://www.newzimbabwe.com/latest-ed-extends-covid-lockdown-by-two-more-weeks/ and https://covid19.who.int/region/afro/country/zw