10 Aug 2021 | 09:53 AM UTC
Zimbabwe: Authorities extend ongoing level-four COVID-19 measures nationwide through Aug. 24 /update 22
Zimbabwean authorities extend domestic level-four COVID-19 restrictions nationwide through Aug. 24; international entry restrictions remain.
Event
Authorities extended level-four COVID-19 restrictions nationwide through Aug. 24 due to a consistent rise in infections.
Domestic Measures
The level-four restrictions include a nationwide 18:30-06:00 nightly curfew. Businesses are permitted to operate 08:00-15:30 daily at 40-percent capacity; remaining employees must work remotely. Intercity travel is prohibited except for the production and distribution of food and medicines. Commercial transport in cities remains operational with COVID-19 protocols. Schools will remain closed until further notice.
Additionally, the following nationwide measures remain in effect:
Facemasks are mandatory in public areas.
Public transport carrying capacity is limited to 50-percent, and operators must disinfect their vehicles after every trip.
Most gatherings are banned; funerals can occur with up to 30 people.
Beer halls and nightclubs are closed.
International Travel Restrictions
International air travel has resumed. However, land borders are closed, except for cargo transport and other authorized persons. Fully vaccinated individuals may now enter Zimbabwe via the Victoria Falls and Kazungula border posts. Travelers entering Zimbabwe by plane must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before boarding. Authorities may deny entry to people without a test result or displaying COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals may be asked to take a PCR test upon arrival at their own expense (USD 60). All passengers are required to complete a COVID-19 contact-tracing document on arrival. Travelers arriving from India must quarantine for 10 days at a hotel or designated quarantine facility and be tested on the first, third, fifth, and tenth days at their own expense.
Starting Aug. 7, all travelers entering and leaving the country are obliged to present a negative COVID-19 test result via the Trusted Travel Initiative platform. Accredited laboratories work in collaboration with the Trusted Travel Initiative.
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-isolate 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. People departing the country must present a negative COVID-19 test taken 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 and check with your embassy to confirm travel details from your country. 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.
