By Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has dismissed as false a social media message claiming that Zimbabwe is recording a resurgence in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
The ministry said claims of COVID-19 deaths at Mpilo Central Hospital and alleged cases at Salem Gama Central Hospital were untrue and did not originate from official government communication.
Ministry of Health and Child Care spokesperson Mr Donald Mujirisaid the public should disregard the circulating message, stressing that current surveillance data does not show the presence of coronavirus in the samples tested.
“Current surveillance data indicate increased influenza activity, with approximately 12,000 cases reported per week. Laboratory testing has predominantly detected influenza A and B, with no coronavirus detected in the samples tested,” said Mujiri.
Mujiri said the Ministry does not issue official public health messages through WhatsApp groups or channels and urged Zimbabweans to rely on recognised official communication platforms and mainstream media for verified information.
The clarification comes amid heightened public concern over an increase in respiratory illnesses, with Zimbabwe recording about 12,000 influenza cases every week.
The Ministry warned members of the public against sharing unverified health information, saying the deliberate spread of false information can undermine public confidence, cause unnecessary fear and negatively affect public health efforts.
