Suburban
A third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is raging in Zimbabwe and other parts of the world. The third wave is said to have more deadly variants than the previous first and second waves. It is important that Harare residents take note of the dangers the pandemic poses to life and take the necessary precautionary measures to protect themselves, their families and fellow citizens.
Exemplary behaviour and taking heed of the advice given by health experts and respecting all the measures put in place by the Government, national health authorities such as the Ministry of Health as well as taking heed of all protocols prescribed by international authorities such as the World Health Organisation will be key to surviving the pandemic and saving lives.
On a number of occasions police and other security services such as neighbourhood watch committees have come across people violating national lockdown measures in the northern suburbs.
A lot of people continue to drive around well after the curfew times while house parties and the operation of shebeens selling alcohol in residential areas is still rife in certain neighbourhoods. Some bars keep operating despite a suspension on the opening of bars while bottle stores are selling beer well after the stipulated 1530 hours closing time for businesses. Observance of Covid-19 protocols has become more critical at this juncture when Zimbabwe and some parts of the African continent are in the grip of the third wave.
Residents are also advised to get vaccinated to protect themselves and people in their communities. It is imperative that people take the vaccination programme seriously because it is one of the ways in which the country can return to the normal that we had all become used to.
If a country reaches herd immunity in terms of vaccinating its population, then at least businesses can be allowed to operate without restrictions while citizens can also go about their personal errands without hindrance. We urge Harare residents to make use of the opportunity to get vaccinated at the various centres where the vaccines are available.
Government has been doing its part in working round the clock to procure vaccinations with two million more doses arriving from China on Thursday in a show of commitment by the State to safeguarding lives.
Let us reciprocate the gesture shown by the Government, which has seen Zimbabwe’s vaccination programme, receiving plaudits in other countries. We cannot over-emphasise the fact that vaccines are safe and a tried and tested way of dealing with pandemics hence people have nothing to fear.
All the vaccines available within the local health system have been certified by the WHO as safe and able to protect those who take them against Covid-19. Of course it does not mean that when one is vaccinated, they stop observing the recommended protocols such wearing face masks, washing hands, avoiding gatherings and keeping social distancing.
The virus is novel meaning that it is a new phenomenon and it will take scientists and health experts time to develop vaccines and medicines to extinguish the virus. In the meantime, we all must keep staying safe and protecting ourselves against infection.
