Amanda E N Jojo

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa for relaxing COVID-19 lockdown restrictions yesterday, saying the move will allow businesses to reach their maximum operational capacity.

Zimbabwe is now on level 2 lockdown which will see businesses extending their operational hours from the previous level 4 Lockdown. Operating hours have now been extended from 0800 to 1900. The new  restrictions will run for two weeks and will be reviewed thereafter.

In a statement, CZR President Denford Mutashu said despite the latest relaxation, business and the general public should strictly adhere to the new measures.

“Let us all remain vigilant and save lives and livelihoods. President Mnangagwa is on record saying it is better to save lives as the economy will be resuscitated in future. CZR therefore urges people to continue getting vaccinated.

“The country is in a state of war against the invisible enemy, the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is our collective responsibility to stop the spread of this respiratory disease. Together we can defeat Covid-19,” Mutashu said.

Lockdowns have been challenging for the retail industry who felt the impact of level 4 which reduced working hours.