Harare let us heed police warning

24 Sep, 2021 - 00:09 0 Views

Suburban

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police this week expressed concern over the complacency that is creeping into residents of the city as they are flouting Covid-19 regulations willy-nilly. A survey conducted by Suburban also showed that several people are now moving around without face masks while some wear them improperly and others do not cover their mouths and noses. We need not re-emphasise the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic is still a threat not only to Harare residents but to the rest of the country.

Harare Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza this week said law enforcement agencies were concerned by the complacency being exhibited by residents of the capital city since the relaxation of Covid-19 regulations two weeks ago by the Government. Two weeks ago President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the relaxation of the Covid-19 national lockdown from Level 4 to Level 2 but also advised the nation against irresponsible behaviour because while the number of Covid-19 related deaths was going down, the pandemic remained a formidable threat. 

This week, President Mnangagwa extended the Level 2 lockdown by a further two weeks. The number of Covid-19 infections has been averaging 238 new cases per day and a notable fall in the number of deaths to an average of four per day shows the preventive measures put in place by Government and stakeholders in the health sector have been effective. However, there is no reason to be caught off guard. We need to maintain the discipline we were showing before the relaxation of the national lockdown to Level 2. It is also instructive to note that of late Zimbabwe has experienced some outbreaks throughout the country notably at schools and some communities. These have also been contained through concerted efforts by the Government and its partners in the health sector. Schools have also played their part in ensuring the cases recorded among their students have been well managed to prevent the affected institutions from becoming super spreader spots.

These developments clearly point to the fact that despite the easing in new infections and deaths, the Covid-19 pandemic remains a menace and people must continue to observe the protocols outlined by the Government and health experts.

We also commend the police for continuously warning people against relaxing and failing to comply with the Covid-19 regulations. We are not yet out of the woods and irresponsible behaviour is a non-starter at this stage. We must continue to observe the Covid-19 protocols by wearing face masks while in public, washing or sanitising our hands as well as maintaining social distancing when in banks, shops, supermarkets and other public service areas. 

Where possible let us avoid unnecessary movements and travelling. And where it is essential to travel, it is incumbent upon every Harare resident to do the right things in so far as the Covid-19 pandemic is concerned. 

It does not take long to return to the Level 4 lockdown because when people flout the regulations meant to protect them, friends, families and communities, the Government will have no option but to take action to protect lives.

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