Tafadzwa Nyikadzino

The recent surge of Covid 19 infections in the country has increased the demand of hospital beds for coronavirus patients across the country, Cabinet has revealed.

Addressing journalists at a post cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvagwa said the country recorded 11 751 cases during the 14 day level four lockdown period under review compared to 8 042 cases reported the previous week.

The rising number of cases has prompted government to extend the current lockdown by two weeks to contain the spread of the virus.

“The worst affected provinces are Mashonaland West (2 107), Mashonaland Central (1 142), Harare Metropolitan (1 894), Mashonaland East (1 658) and Midlands (1 058).

“The surge in cases has led to an increase in demand for beds, hence Government is expediting the full capacitation of isolation and treatment centres throughout the country,” said Mutsvangwa.

She also revealed that Treasury released ZW$368.5 million towards strengthening the enforcement of lockdown measures which include restricting the movements of people.

“Cabinet reports that the Vehicle Inspection Department and police have escalated enforcement of lockdown measures for public transport operations, including the banning of intercity travel. Members of the public are encouraged to strictly adhere to the lockdown measures for their own safety,” she said.

Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the extention of the ongoing Level 4 Lockdown with two more weeks.

In his address, he mentioned that tighter measures will be employed towards limiting stuff members at workplaces and restricting people from moving, while stiffer penalties will be imposed on violaters.