The topical pandemic-related issue is the Omicron variant. Ever since the variant was discovered, Zimbabwe issued new regulations for returning residents and visitors. They stipulated that they must go for mandatory PCR testing. Then regardless of whether or not they test positive, they must be quarantined for 10 days. This is something they are to do at their own cost. The government has since announced some of the accommodation providers that have been earmarked for these quarantines.
Other Recent Regulations
Curfew time was also adjusted to run from 2100hrs to 0600hrs. It was highlighted that alcohol is no longer allowed to be consumed onsite at bottle stores. They also maintained nightclubs and bars must only allow vaccinated consumers. Now it has emerged that they are considering banning the unvaccinated from accessing public transport.
Cabinet Considers Banning The Unvaccinated From Using Public Transport
Following a recent post-cabinet briefing this past week, this startling development came. It was said that the cabinet is concerned about the surge in the number of cases in the past 14 days. Given that background, the government says they are enhancing vaccination efforts. In pursuance of this, vaccination sites are going to be set up at bus terminals – local and intercity ones. This is to ensure that people can get vaccinated, if they are not, before getting onto public transport vehicles. It was pointed out that this will culminate in those without valid vaccination cards being barred from using public transport.
An Overview Of The National Vaccination Status
Official reports show that around 3.88 million Zimbabweans have received their first dose. About 2.89 have received their second dose. The government aims to vaccinate 60 per cent by the end of 2021. The population of Zimbabwe is currently roughly 15.17 million. This means that so far, about 19 per cent of the population have received the 2 doses. It is still way far off the target mark and with mentions of the possible need for booster shots it further complicates things.
Travel Bans?
At the end of the day, it would make it illogical to enact travel bans when the vast majority is still unvaccinated. The other topical issue is on voluntarily getting vaccinated. In principle, it is supposed to be VOLUNTARY. Even after the recent post-cabinet meeting, it was specifically indicated that vaccination centres at terminuses would be for people to VOLUNTARILY get vaccinated. Yet it seems a possible travel ban would suggest some sort of passive coercion.
Overall, the major concern people have is the efficacy of the vaccines. There are countless cases of fully vaccinated people who still contracted the virus and subsequently died. Some surveys have even shown that most new cases are fully vaccinated. There are also concerns on what the true nature and composition of these vaccinates are. Some like to label such concerns conspiracy theories but there are merits to the concerns, no doubt.
So much more we can discuss here but this was an update on some things to expect. It is a circus really because there seems to be no end of new variants popping up. Right now there are reports that a new Omicron variant has been found. It is being said that it is the mutant strain’s sister and could be harder to track.
Zimbabwean Cabinet To Ban Unvaccinated People From Using Public Transport
The topical pandemic-related issue is the Omicron variant. Ever since the variant was discovered, Zimbabwe issued new regulations for returning residents and visitors. They stipulated that they must go for mandatory PCR testing. Then regardless of whether or not they test positive, they must be quarantined for 10 days. This is something they are to do at their own cost. The government has since announced some of the accommodation providers that have been earmarked for these quarantines.
Other Recent Regulations
Curfew time was also adjusted to run from 2100hrs to 0600hrs. It was highlighted that alcohol is no longer allowed to be consumed onsite at bottle stores. They also maintained nightclubs and bars must only allow vaccinated consumers. Now it has emerged that they are considering banning the unvaccinated from accessing public transport.
Cabinet Considers Banning The Unvaccinated From Using Public Transport
Following a recent post-cabinet briefing this past week, this startling development came. It was said that the cabinet is concerned about the surge in the number of cases in the past 14 days. Given that background, the government says they are enhancing vaccination efforts. In pursuance of this, vaccination sites are going to be set up at bus terminals – local and intercity ones. This is to ensure that people can get vaccinated, if they are not, before getting onto public transport vehicles. It was pointed out that this will culminate in those without valid vaccination cards being barred from using public transport.
An Overview Of The National Vaccination Status
Official reports show that around 3.88 million Zimbabweans have received their first dose. About 2.89 have received their second dose. The government aims to vaccinate 60 per cent by the end of 2021. The population of Zimbabwe is currently roughly 15.17 million. This means that so far, about 19 per cent of the population have received the 2 doses. It is still way far off the target mark and with mentions of the possible need for booster shots it further complicates things.
Travel Bans?
At the end of the day, it would make it illogical to enact travel bans when the vast majority is still unvaccinated. The other topical issue is on voluntarily getting vaccinated. In principle, it is supposed to be VOLUNTARY. Even after the recent post-cabinet meeting, it was specifically indicated that vaccination centres at terminuses would be for people to VOLUNTARILY get vaccinated. Yet it seems a possible travel ban would suggest some sort of passive coercion.
Overall, the major concern people have is the efficacy of the vaccines. There are countless cases of fully vaccinated people who still contracted the virus and subsequently died. Some surveys have even shown that most new cases are fully vaccinated. There are also concerns on what the true nature and composition of these vaccinates are. Some like to label such concerns conspiracy theories but there are merits to the concerns, no doubt.
So much more we can discuss here but this was an update on some things to expect. It is a circus really because there seems to be no end of new variants popping up. Right now there are reports that a new Omicron variant has been found. It is being said that it is the mutant strain’s sister and could be harder to track.
Love your articles by the way. Such a reliable source to keep updated with Zim news. COVID related issues kind of mimic what’s happening in the UK at the moment. Misinformation and inconsistencies which is adding more confusion and loss trust by the public.
And they need to replace that ward Voluntary. Everyone knows it’s not ‘voluntary’