What is the current state of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe?
Covid-19 is still here.
The Zimbabwe health authorities have called on people to remain vigilant, saying it is concerned by a spike in both deaths and new Covid-19 cases the country recorded this month – December 2022.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has similarly warned that the Covid pandemic is alive globally, a message whose importance has been reinforced by a big jump of cases in China which recently relaxed some of its stringent Covid-19 management systems.
Should people still wear face masks?
The health authorities are advising people to wear face masks in crowded places, shops, indoor gatherings and public transport, and to follow hygienic guidelines of washing or sanitising hands frequently.
What about public gatherings?
People are also being advised to avoid public gatherings, and to exercise social (physical) distancing if they find themselves in such circumstances.
What are the latest death and infection figures for Zimbabwe?
Since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, Zimbabwe has recorded 259,770 infections, 253,672 recoveries and 5,631 deaths, according to a statement issued by Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa after this week’s Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday.
The government had noted 12 deaths this month, and 211 new infections during the week compared to 203, she said.
What about Covid-19 vaccination figures?
For people vaccinated, the latest government figures indicate:
First doses – at 6,581,530
Second doses – at 4,949,555
Third doses – at 1,274,040
When did Zimbabwe roll out its Covid-19 vaccination programme?
The vaccination programme was rolled out on February 24, 2021.
What is the government’s vaccination target, and timeline?
The government says it wants 10 million people vaccinated (60 percent of the population for a herd immunity), but no comprehensive programme timeline is publicly available.
What vaccinations has Zimbabwe approved so far?
Zimbabwe has so approved the use of Sinopharm and Sinovac from China, Sputnik V from Russia and Covaxin from India.
The government says all vaccines are verified by the Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trials Committee before clearance by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe.
Sources: Ministry of Health and Child Care,
Statement on Zimbabwe Cabinet Meeting of Tuesday, December 20, 2022 presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
World Health Organisation (WHO).
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