13 Jun 2021 | 09:59 AM UTC
Zimbabwe: Officials enhance COVID-19 restrictions nationwide in mid-June /update 17
Authorities to enhance domestic measures from June 14 in Zimbabwe to curb COVID-19 cases. Localised lockdowns in several areas.
Event
Authorities have announced that domestic measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 will be enhanced from June 14. In addition, officials issued a statement on June 11 noting that localized lockdowns would be enforced in the Hurungwe and Kariba districts in Mashonaland West Province for two weeks. The lockdown is in response to increasing COVID-19 cases. Furthermore, a localized lockdown remains in place in the Kwekwe District in the Midlands Province after officials detected a new COVID-19 strain. Travel to and from these areas has been restricted.
From 14 June, the government has announced that the measures below will be enforced or more strictly policed.
Facemasks are mandatory in public areas.
The number of passengers on public transport will be limited, and operators must disinfect their vehicles after every trip.
All gatherings, except funerals, are banned. Funerals are limited to 30 people.
Private and public offices are limited to a 50-percent capacity.
Retail businesses, markets, and shops may operate from 08:00-18:00.
Beer halls and nightclubs are closed. Bottle stores may operate from 10:00-16:00.
Hotels and restaurants may open until 22:00.
The government will provide daily updates on so-called hot spot areas. Officials may implement short-notice lockdowns in these areas. Persons arriving from hot spots must quarantine at their own expense. Further details regarding the length or location of quarantine centers have not been provided.
A nighttime curfew remains in place.
International Travel
Air travel is ongoing. However, land borders are closed, except for cargo transport and other authorized persons.
Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours before arrival. Authorities may deny entry to persons without a test result or displaying COVID-19 symptoms.
All individuals arriving must quarantine for 10 days; however, officials will allow those who arrive with a negative COVID-19 test to self-isolate at their designated address.
If travelers present symptoms upon arrival, authorities will detain them until COVID-19 test results are known regardless of a pre-arrival negative test; officials will release affected individuals to self-isolated at their designated address if the test returns negative.
Those who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival must quarantine at a government-appointed facility for 10 days.
Persons departing the country must present a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours of departure.
All regulations are subject to change at short notice.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
