CLAIM: Everyone arriving in Zimbabwe will now have to pay US$60 for a PCR test
VERDICT: Misleading. Only those who show COVID-19 symptoms will be required to take a test on arrival
On Tuesday, September 29, the Zimbabwe government announced that it would charge US$60 for a COVID-19 test for any visitor that arrives in the country showing symptoms of coronavirus.
Social media posts immediately circulated suggesting that all visitors will now have to pay a US$60 fee for the test. This is inaccurate. Only those that show symptoms of COVID-19, and are tested at ports of entry, will be required to pay US$60 for the test.
According to the Cabinet statement on Tuesday: “As a measure to guarantee the safety of travellers, Cabinet further resolved that in line with Statutory Instrument 216(5) Section 8, which requires travellers showing COVID-19 symptoms, whether or not they have a COVID-19-free certificate to be tested, a nominal fee of US$60 be levied on travellers tested at ports of entry, and that the proceeds be used to replenish laboratory commodities.”
Zimbabwe resumes international flights from October 1.
What does Statutory Instrument 216 (2020) say?
On Friday, September 11, the Government gazetted SI216 (2020). It spells out various rules and regulations for travelers entering Zimbabwe.
A citizen or returning resident arriving in the country must have a certificate showing that they had a negative COVID-19 PCR test in the last 48 hours. If they have this certificate, they can be allowed to go home for self-quarantine.
Secondly, a citizen or resident who arrives without the PCR test certificate will be kept at a holding facility until they take a COVID-19 test. If they test negative, they are released. If they test positive, they must be isolated at a facility for 14 days.
According to the SI, a person who arrives in Zimbabwe “presenting with symptoms of COVID-19” will be tested, even if they have the COVID-19-free certificate.
It is this last group of people that, according to Cabinet’s latest announcement, will be charged a fee of US$60 for a test.
Clarifying further, Information Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana: “To be clear, every international arrival needs to have a COVID19 free certificate. You show symptoms, you pay US$60 for a PCR test. You show no symptoms, you are free to go.”
For passengers leaving Zimbabwe, nobody is allowed on a flight unless they have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours of departure, the SI says.
Conclusion
Not everyone arriving in Zimbabwe from abroad will have to pay US$60 for a PCR test. Only those showing symptoms of the virus will have to take a mandatory PCR test.
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