Covid-19 update: Zimbabwe reimplements strict lockdown amid surge
The Zimbabwean government has implemented a national lockdown in a bid to limit the spread of the virus. Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The Zimbabwean government has implemented restrictions in a bid to limit the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
This move comes shortly after South Africa reverted back to Level 3 restrictions ahead of the new year.
Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the pandemic below:
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1. Zimbabwe imposes lockdown
Zimbabwean citizens are facing a strict lockdown after the nation recorded a spike in Covid-19 infections.
For the next 30 days, only essential services like hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets will be permitted to operate.
Gatherings have been limited to a maximum of 30 people and a curfew is in effect, barring citizens from leaving their homes between 6 pm and 6 am.
The government noted that the number of cases that have been recorded over the past weeks saw the total infections almost doubling what was recorded during the rest of the year.
A total of 370 Zimbabwean citizens have passed away due to the virus according to the latest statistics.
2. Mkhize on latest statistics
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has once again updated South Africans on the latest Covid-19 statistics.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, Mkhize confirmed the latest infections:
"As of today, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 1 088 889."
The Minister also confirmed the latest number of fatalities recorded in the country:
"Regrettably, 288 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 92, Free State 9, Gauteng 39, Kwa-Zulu Natal 29, Mpumalanga 6, Northern Cape 2 and Western Cape 111. This brings the total deaths to 29 175 deaths."
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that healthcare workers are reporting the least traumatic New Year's Eve recorded in recent history.
Medical workers thanked the nation for their cooperation amid Level 3 lockdown conditions.
While Covid-19 admissions kept staff busy, there was an immense decrease in trauma admissions at public hospitals. Those in the know have chalked up the thankfully quiet evening to the liquor ban in conjunction with a 9 pm curfew.
Victoria Hospital in Wynberg recorded not one trauma case on both New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.
The same can be said for hospitals in Khayelitsha, Paarl and even the usually chaotic Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.
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Source: Briefly News
