RETURNING Zimbabwean residents and visitors will no longer be mandated to produce a negative PCR certificate, a cabinet minister has announced.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
In the past, returning residents had to produce a Negative result as well as proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to gain access into the country.
Addressing a post cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said it will not be a prerequisite to produce a negative PCR but a proof of vaccination is still required.
Cabinet has resolved that returning residents and visitors are no longer required to present a negative PCR certificate on arrival at ports of entry. Only a valid vaccination certificate showing that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with any one of the WHO-approved vaccines will suffice,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said they arrived at this resolution after noticing a decline in COVID-19 new cases.
“This is in recognition of the declining COVID-19 new cases, most of which are now very mild or have no symptoms and increasing vaccination coverage. A negative PCR certificate will only be a requirement if the returning resident or visitor is not fully vaccinated. Government wishes to remind all citizens that COVID-19 is still with us and is, therefore, appealing to all Zimbabweans to continue adhering to the laid down World Health Organisation protocols at all times.
“The nation is being informed that as at 28 March, 2022, the countrys cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 245 927, with 237 295 recoveries and 5 438 deaths. The recovery rate was 96%, with 3 194 active cases having been recorded. The number of new COVID-19 cases decreased to 1 301 during the week under review, compared to the 2 004 recorded the previous week.”
Close to 5 million people in Zimbabwe have received their first dose.
