The COVID-19 epidemic is growing rapidly. Zimbabwe has implemented stricter lockdown measures.

JAN 2nd local time, Zimbabwe’s Vice President and Minister of Health Chiwinga announced that Zimbabwe will implement stricter blockade measures in view of the surge in the COVID-19 epidemic in Zimbabwe. Specific measures are as follows:

• 1. Public gatherings such as funerals shall not exceed 30 people, weddings and church gatherings shall not be held for 30 days, and bars, restaurants, gyms and so on shall be closed for 30 days.
• 2. Strictly abide by the current epidemic prevention measures, including wearing masks correctly, maintaining social distancing, washing hands frequently, and checking body temperature in a timely manner. Violators will be prosecuted.
• 3. Only basic services industries such as hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets are allowed to open, but only essential employees are allowed to work. Business hours are limited from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• 4. The curfew is adjusted from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., effective immediately.
• 5. The fourth business sectors, such as mining, manufacturing and agriculture, can operate as usual. The fifth type of business sector, that is, all formal enterprises and registered informal traders, will be closed for 30 days from Tuesday, January 5.
• 6. Intercity travel is prohibited, except for workers in basic industries and employees in the fourth category of business.
• 7. People must stay at home and not leave their homes unless they buy food and medicine or transport sick relatives.
• 8. Examination class students can resume classes in school, and other grades will continue to suspend classes.
• 9. Cross-border traders are prohibited from entering and leaving the border, and commercial goods and transit goods involving basic commodities can be exempted from the outside world.
• 10. Air and passenger traffic remains unrestricted, and travelers arriving and returning to Zimbabwe must submit a negative COVID-19 certificate. For land transportation, only returning residents and freight drivers with a negative COVID-19 certificate are allowed to enter. The certificate must be issued within 48 hours of leaving the place of departure from the trip.
• 11. Bars and restaurants serving hotel accommodators are not subject to the above restrictions and can continue to operate. Tourism departments and national parks can continue to operate subject to epidemic prevention regulations.