Second strict lockdown looming

– Experts warn of severe 2nd wave
– Govt reassessing border opening
– Headaches over economy  
– Public urged not to relax

By Vivian Mugarisi
Experts have warned that Zimbabwe could experience a resurgence in Covid-19 cases though shutting down of the economy may not be required.

This comes as a number of countries experiencing a renewed rise in coronavirus cases, particularly in Europe and South America, have announced a return to tougher anti-coronavirus restrictions including shutting schools and non-essential shops to contain spiralling second wave infections.

With Zimbabwe having recorded 43 new infections as of yesterday, the trend signals an increase in cases amid low testing levels. Bulawayo on the other hand, is already sliding into a lockdown.

Vice President Chiwenga, who is also Health and Child Care Minister on Friday told reporters in Bulawayo that Government was monitoring the Covid-19 situation in view of the planned border reopening.

“We will be monitoring … we will be looking at that (opening of borders) very carefully and the public would be advised. His Excellency, after having been given the correct briefings, will be taking appropriate measures as is necessary to save lives of people of Zimbabwe,” said Dr Chiwenga.

The country has started recording a rise in imported Covid-19 cases, particularly from South Africa, Zimbabwe’s biggest trading partner, where 53 cases were imported from in the past week.

The increase in new Covid-19 infections is also attributed to declining adherence to measures such wearing of masks, physical distancing and hand washing, which is key in controlling the spread of the disease.  

For some people in cities like Gweru and Harare, Covid-19 is like a thing of the past. Even in busy supermarkets people are no longer maintaining social distancing.

Medical expert and HIV Clinician Dr David Mukwekwezeke urged the public to observe all health guidelines, as the chances of going back to the way things were before Covid-19 happened was a distant dream.  

“What we all need to understand is that we can never return to the ‘old normal’. Normality has now been re-defined to mean what I call ‘the hygiene triad’ viz keeping a safe distance from the next individual, covering the lower half of our faces and incessant hand sterilisation. These three habits are never going anywhere,” said Dr Mukwekwezeke.

“On that note, I belong to the liberal subset of the medical fraternity who are supporting the full re-opening of the economy with a caveat, of course, that the triumvirate stated above is maintained.

“The opposing conservative group of the medical fraternity prefers to keep the somewhat stringent measures in place, with their argument being to alleviate the predicted second wave of infections,” he added.

Dr Mukwekwezeke said the first wave of Covid-19 in Zimbabwe gave ample opportunities to evaluate our strengths and shortfalls, lessons critical for managing the second wave should it arise adding that the public should just adjust to the new normal.

Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike said the absence of a vaccine means strict adherence to laid down protocols, adding that awareness campaigns by government and stakeholders should be the order of day to ensure that communities have adequate information on Covid-19 control.

“We still do not have a vaccine of Covid-19 and in its absence, it is important for the people to continue observing WHO guidelines at all levels to keep on protecting ourselves and our communities.

“Of course, schools have opened, intercity travels have resumed but that should not stop us from observing laid out guidelines such as wearing of masks and wearing them properly covering the mouth and the nose,” he said.

Added Rusike: “Government cannot do everything in terms of enforcing so it’s now up to individuals hence the need for community participation. Government should continue carrying out Covid-19 awareness literacy to ensure that communities are equipped with the right information on how to protect themselves.”

Speaking at a recent event, WHO country representative Dr Alex Gasasira urged the public to remain vigilant, as complacency will reverse the efforts the country has made in its response to Covid-19.
“I would also like to appreciate the efforts by everybody from all levels of society and walks of life to ensure that Covid-19 is under control. A lot of work has been done.

“Having said that, this is not the time to relax. This is the time that we need to sustain these measures to ensure that Covid-19 remains at low levels,” he said.

The United Kingdom, France, Netherlands and Spain have introduced a new round of curfews with some having instituted lockdowns to contain transmissions. However, such interventions have been effective in countries in the global north, where their economies are performing well with most developing countries having been forced to open up the economy to promote productivity and avert a social crises. Nhau/Indaba