Wilson Chipangura, Guest Reporter
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has admitted that the lockdowns government has been putting in place since last year has delivered limited success in containing the global coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement on Tuesday during which he announcement the extension of a Level 4 lockdown by two weeks, Mnangagwa blamed the rising infections on implementation of government measures by different state institutions.
“Our vaccination programme for example has remained one of the most successful in Africa. Unfortunately, the many successes recorded in our covid-19 responses have not been enough to stem the wave. The recent surge in cases and death is a reminder that we need to do more.
“Government had anticipated that the lockdown measures would assist in reducing the spread in infections and ultimately to halt this surge.
“Instead, the current data are indicating a worrisome trend. Cases and deaths are continuing to increase at an alarming rate.
“A quick assessment on the ground points to a number of factors contributing to this surge. First, complacency by communities in adhering to prevention measures including the lockdown and basic World Health protocols such as proper wearing of masks, washing of hands and social distancing.
Mnangagwa also said the deadly Delta variant is now spreading at a fast rate in the country, therefore there was need for an accelerated vaccination programme to ensure a herd immunity is achieved.
“Second, the highly transmittable Delta variant is now circulating in our communities. Latest genomic sequencing results received last week indicate that approximately 80% of the fresh cases in Zimbabwe are now due to the Delta variant that originated in India.
“Third, the situation has been made worse by loopholes in enforcing lockdown measures and all other recommended prevention measures. For instance, some people deliberately beat these measures by travelling at night to evade the ban on inter-city travel.
“Fourth and finally, we have decided to extend lockdown by another two weeks. The plan to maintain the current Level 4 will make it possible for the immediate acceleration of the vaccination program throughout the country.
Zimbabwe received an additional 2 million doses of vaccines from China last week. Vaccination is expected to go a gear up in the coming weeks as the fight to arrest a third wave gathers pace.
It remains to be seen if results will point to a positive story in the next two weeks since the current government has just been good at talking rather than delivering.
