BHIZIMUSI

COVID-19 Positive Cases Jump to Seven in Zimbabwe

Police officer shows a visitor how to disinfect his hands against the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at State House in Harare, Zimbabwe, March 19, 2020. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo

Ministry of Health and Child care has released information showing that the COVID-19 identified cases yesterday jumped to seven from five.

Such an update appears as President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed the nation yesterday stating that reports of the COVID-19 point to continued potential grave threats to Zimbabwe.

“The Ministry would like to report that today the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory tested 23 samples,” an update on COVID -19 in Zimbabwe says.

“Two of these tested positive for COVID-19, and both are contacts of the third case. Therefore, to date, Zimbabwe has 7 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including one death.”

TheCOVID-19 confirmed cases in Zimbabwe include four males and three females according to the Health Ministry update.

“Of the cases confirmed to date, three are due to contact with an infected individual locally,” the update reads.

“Our teams are currently seized with enhanced surveillance through contact tracing, by following up all known contacts of these cases.”

“Therefore, the Ministry would like to remind everyone of the need to maintain social distancing, by avoiding close contact (1 metre or 3 feet) with anyone who is unwell, coughing or sneezing.”

Zimbabwe is currently facing a 21 days lockdown starting on Monday to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Public transport will be suspended during the lockdown except for ZUPCO and  Public Service Commission buses.