CABINET has announced that COVID-19 related hospitalizations have decreased over the past few weeks, signalling a positive outlook for the country battle against COVID-19.
By Michael Gwarisa
According to cabinet, majority of the new cases currently being recorded have mild to moderate symptoms and they don’t require hospitalization.
Generally, hospital admissions for COVID-19 cases have decreased, resulting in institutions such as the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals reclaiming areas in the Out-Patient Department for routine service provision,” said Information and Publicity Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa during a post cabinet media briefing.
She warned against complacency and advised to maintain a high level of alertness and adhere to the preventive measures already in force including during the impending 41st Independence Day Anniversary, when gatherings of more than fifty persons will still be prohibited.
Commentating the boarding school in Matabeleland South where majority of COVID-19 cases were recorded last week, Senetor Mutsvangwa said the infections have been contained as both pupils and teachers were now self isolating.
“Cabinet noted that due to the strong COVID-19 surveillance system being implemented in schools, last week’s outbreak at Sacred Heart School in Umzingwane District of Matabeleland South Province was easily detected and dealt with. Out of the 248 students and 33 teachers tested, 117 were found to be COVID-19 positive.
“All the cases are mild, and are isolating at the school for the learners or at home for the teachers. Response activities that include contact tracing and strengthening of all Standard Operating Procedures and guidelines are in progress.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is awaiting delivery of 600 000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines following completion of procurement processes.
“In addition, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development has granted authority to purchase 5 million more doses of vaccines. Cabinet also wishes to report that as at 12 April 2021, 234 709 people have received their first dose of the vaccine, while 29 304 received their second dose.
“Steps are being taken to increase the number of people to be vaccinated across the provinces, particularly in hotspot areas in Matabeleland South, Mashonaland West, Harare and Manicaland Provinces,” said Senator Mutsvangwa.
