The Zimbabwe government has imposed a dawn-to-dusk lockdown with mandatory quarantine for the travelers, owing to the rising number of Covid-19 cases. The curfew is announced to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus variant Omicron.
Starting Wednesday, the security forces have enforced a nationwide curfew between 9 pm to 6 am. Business hours have been limited to 8 am to 7 pm, with relaxation for essential or emergency services. Moreover, all the non-working people are required to not leave their houses, except to buy essential items, medicines, or groceries.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed the nation on Tuesday and said that “We can no longer be complacent and that requires urgent and decisive measures”. He further added that the ones who act otherwise or whose actions undermine Zimbabwe’s health and security measures will be punished accordingly.
Over the past week, Zimbabwe has witnessed a rise in infections by nearly a third, and the number of deaths has increased from 18 to 26. The condition is considered grim in Zimbabwe because its healthcare system has struggled for years due to the long-standing neglect.
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These restrictions have proven to be a blow to the country’s tourism industry, which was anticipated to undergo a growing curve in the upcoming festive season.