ZIMBABWE’S daily COVID-19 infections almost doubled in the past 24 hours from 49 new cases that were recorded on June, 7 2021 to 83 cases on June 8, 2021.
By Michael Gwarisa
The increase in cases also comes in the wake of a slow vaccination uptake which could pose an even greater threat should the third wave officially set foot in the country.
Local Public Health Expert and Epidemiologist, Dr Grant Murewanhema said the upsurge in the daily cases could signal the official arrival of the third wave in the country and it was time citizens return to basics and observe World Health Organisation (WHO) set COVID-19 prevention measures.
Today. We are at 83 cases, almost double yesterday’s numbers. I think we might start talking about a wave? Six deaths reported, not good. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Our vaccination is pretty slow,” said Dr Grant.
He added that measures need to be taken a notch higher especially with regards to how the country handles confirmed cases of COVID-19.
“Now once again, lets remind ourselves of the few basics. COVID-19 is still very much around and its sadly taking some of our beloved from us. Let’s mask up seriously, lets practice physical distancing, lets practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
“Even before its imposed on us, lets avoid overcrowding, unnecessary gatherings and unnecessary movements. Quarantining of contacts and isolation of confirmed cases is critical for breaking chains of transmission. With a public health sector in shambles, do we want to go back to December/January? Probably not. Lest be responsible and try preventing the situation from getting out of hand.”
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care Situation Report of June 8, 2021, the positivity rate went up to 2.8% in the past 24 hours from the 2.3% that was recorded the previous day.
As of 7 June 2021, the number of hospitalized cases had also gone up to 57, six of the cases were asymptomatic, 55 were mild to moderate, three wee in intensive care units. There were also 10 new recoveries, bringing the total number of active cases to 948.
Meanwhile, vaccination remains depressed amidst indications that to date, a total 689 39 people have received the dose of the vaccine. 389 412 have received the second dose of the vaccine.
Speaking during a Post Cabinet Media Brief, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said government was working on ensuring vaccines availability.
“The public is advised that efforts to ensure the availability of doses continue as a matter of priority. The Ministry of Health and Child Care is redistributing existing stocks to ensure availability of the second dose. A batch of 500 000 doses of vaccine is expected in the country by 15th June, 2021.
“The nation is informed that Cabinet has approved that the lockdown in Kwekwe be extended by a further two weeks. The development comes in the wake of a surge in positive cases in Kwekwe, which to date has 74 cumulative cases, 70 active cases, 3 recoveries and 1 death. It is highlighted that the Indian Variant has been detected in some of the new cases.”
