ZIMBABWE’S government is working on introducing measures that will make mandatory for all intra and intercity travellers to have valid vaccination proof in order to board buses.
By Michael Gwarisa
Briefing Journalists during a post cabinet Media Briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said they are working on deploying healthcare workers to administer vaccine dosses at Bus termini around the country in a move to increase the numbers of vaccinated people as well push the country towards attaining herd immunity in the midst of increased new infections.
Government therefore calls upon citizens to strictly observe the national and World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 protocols, most importantly the regulations contained in Statutory Instrument (SI) 267 announced last week, which will be strictly enforced. Focus continues to be on preventing a 4th wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. Accordingly, Cabinet adopted the following additional measures:
“1. Government will be Establishing vaccination sites at the main intra and inter-city bus termini, so as to ensure that those not vaccinated but wish to do so can have doses administered before they board the public transport;
- Please note that there will be a time when people will not be allowed to board public transport without a valid vaccination card; and
- The Ministry of Health and Child Care will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education on the vaccination blitz of the 16-to-17 year age group in schools,” said Senator Mutsvangwa.
Regarding the national vaccination programme, Minister Mutsvangwa said a total of 3 882 255 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been administered, while 2 892 366 people had received their second dose as at December 6, 2021.
“The cumulative number of 1st and 2nd doses of vaccines administered during the week under review increased to 190 899 from the 148 980 administered the previous week, indicating that the total number of doses administered during the week had increased.
“On the procurement of vaccines, it is advised that 1.25 million doses of Sinopharm vaccines were delivered on 6 December 2021, constituting the first batch of the 2.5 million doses procured. The remaining 1.25 million vaccines of the Order are expected before the end of the week. The country is also expecting a donation of one million doses from the People’s Republic of China. Government assures the citizenry that the country has adequate stocks of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), sanitisers and medicines required for supportive management of COVID-19.”
