THE Zimbabwean cabinet has agreed that there be more treatment and isolation centres in government health institutions as part of Government’s Response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Kuda Pembere
This was announced during post cabinet media briefing today.
“Cabinet considered and approved the Action Plan as presented by Hon. Vice President K.C.D. Mohadi, as Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on COVID-19.
“Key among the proposed actions were that COVID-19 treatment and isolation centres be mapped in the following locations, 5 Central/Referral Hospitals, 10 Provincial Hospitals, 52 District Hospitals under the supervision of the Ministries of Health and Child Care and Local Government and Public Works,” said information, media and broadcasting services minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa.
The country as of yesterday confirmed eight COVID-19 cases with one succumbing to the disease.
Meanwhile the National Social Security Authority availed its USD39 million in Beitbridge for use by government as a COVID-19 quarantine centre for those entering or leaving the country via Beitbridge Border Post.
NSSA’s Acting General Manager Arthur Manase announced that the Former Beitbridge Rainbow Hotel will be used as a quarantine for Zimbabweans coming from South Africa.
“The former Beitbridge Rainbow Hotel will be used as a transit isolation centre to cater for returning residents from South Africa,” he said.
He also said the isolation is necessary since South Africa is battling with more than one thousand infections.
“The Southern neighbour has over one thousand infections this means that every Zimbabwean citizen who passes through the Beitbridge border post will be quarantined for twenty-one days as a precautionary measure,” Manase said.
Manase noted that as aa authority that was formed for social security it is fitting that they stepped in to assist in such a time.
The authority also availed Ekusileni Medical Centre in Bulawayo for accommodation of patients undergoing treatment for covid-19.
Manase revealed that the authority also contributed towards rapairing of an ICU ventilator at Mutare General Hospital which are crucial in managing severe effects of the virus.
“In addition to the virus, NSSA recently donated towards the repair of an ICU ventilator at Mutare General Hospital,” he added.
According to Manase, NSSA is dedicated to continue rendering further assistance towards the national cause.
He also noted that since President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the virus a national disaster, it is upon every citizen to play their part in containing the virus.
Meanwhile, Manase said NSSA took measures to help pensioners who constitute a very vulnerable group in such a time.
“We have awarded them a bonus off discretionary bonus that is equivalent to a month’s pay-out,” he added.
