Government Gives Nod For Sports Resumption

Wilson Chipangura, Guest Reporter

HARARE – Government has given football in the country, and all other sporting disciplines, the nod to resume. Top-flight football in the country was suspended in July, in the wake of surging cases of Covid-19.

Information and Broadcasting Services minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, announced on Tuesday during a post-cabinet press briefing that sporting disciplines will be allowed to continue, provided Covid-19 regulations are observed.

“Sporting activities can now be resumed subject to strict observance of COVID-19 prevention measures and protocols. Attendant staff should be vaccinated,” she said.

Following representations from the various sectors of the economy, Cabinet resolved and wishes to inform the nation as follows:

Considering that 98% of COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe are of the Delta variant, there is no longer need to quarantine travellers from countries afflicted with the variant, such as India; “Cabinet resolved that cinemas and theatres can now allow 50% sitting capacity of vaccinated clients, and that all workers should be vaccinated;

“National arts galleries across the country be opened to vaccinated clients only, and that all workers should be vaccinated; It also considered to allow the resumption of sporting activities subject to strict observance of COVID-19 prevention measures and protocols. Attendant staff should also be vaccinated;

Cabinet resolved that, for all local activities in which the participants are below the age of 14, they shall, in all cases be checked for COVID-19 symptoms, have regular temperature checks and follow social distancing protocols; Athletes/children aged 14 to 18 years are highly recommended to get vaccinated, and the National Sports Associations can work with Sport and Recreation Commission to get this done;

Cabinet resolved that gymnasia, health spas and fitness centres be allowed to open only to vaccinated clientele; and Cabinet resolved that all Sports Clubs must ensure that their coaches, managers and any support staff are vaccinated.