LOCAL epidemiologist and public health expert, Dr Grant Murewanhema has warned that Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 situation could blow out of proportion in the coming days and urged citizens to religiously adhere to World Health Organization (WHO) set COVID-19 prevention measures.
Staff Reporter
His warning comes at the back of an increasing daily infection rate as well as fatality rate which has tripled over the past few days.
We are going to a place where we don’t want to be but where I have been warning that we might end up going. Remember last week I said the next 10-21 days are crucial for the direction of the current wave.
“Higher incident cases, higher case fatalities, very high positivity rates and increased numbers of hospitalized symptomatic people all point towards a full blown third wave as all the 10 provinces continue to report cases, widespread community transmission,” said Dr Grant.
He also implored the country’s leadership to take stern measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus before the situation gets out hand.
“We are at a point where others are prioritizing economic issues, leaving individuals to make important decisions. May God guide us in making wise choices as the numbers go up across Africa.”
Zimbabwe recorded a total 416 new cases of COVID-19 and 13 deaths over the past 24 hours. To date, the country has recorded a cumulative 42 195 cases since the virus was first reported on Zimbabwean soil. The country also has a total 3 310 active cases, 37 200 recoveries and a cumulative 1 685 deaths.
Meanwhile, government has imposed localized lockdowns in areas where there is high incidence of COVID-19 infections. These include Karoi, Chinhoyi and Kwekwe. Masvingo, Mhondoro, Chiredzi, Nkulumane, Emakhandeni, Bindura have been since been branded as COVID-19 hotspots.
