Zimbabwe: Authorities announce enhanced COVID-19-related restrictions Jan. 2 due to spike in disease cases /update 10

Zimbabwean authorities have expanded a curfew and increased limits on gatherings, among other new COVID-19 measures announced Jan. 2.

Event

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga announced enhanced restrictions Jan. 2 in the latest effort to contain the increasing spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Among the new measures enforced are an expanded curfew and restrictions on gatherings. All existing and new measures and restrictions are listed below.

International Travel

Air travel has resumed.
Land borders are closed except for cargo transport and other authorized persons, including tourists.
Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours prior to arrival. Persons without a test result or displaying COVID-19 symptoms may be denied entry. Travelers are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Persons testing positive for COVID-19 on arrival are subject to a 14-day quarantine at a government-approved facility.
Persons departing the country must present a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours of departure.
Returning residents must present a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours prior to arrival or get tested upon arrival and await the outcome of the results at a government facility.

Domestic Measures

An 1800-0600 nationwide curfew is in effect.
All nonessential businesses, with some limited exceptions, must close for 30 days from Jan. 5. Essential services, such as grocery stores, hospitals, and pharmacies, can operate 0800-1500. Nonessential services serving hotels may remain open.
Facemasks are mandatory in public.
Interprovincial and intercity transport is restricted.
Persons must stay at home and may only leave to acquire essential goods or for medical reasons.
Tourists may travel from the port of entry to a designated tourist facility.
Gatherings are restricted except for funerals; however, no more than 30 people may attend burials.

All regulations are subject to change at short notice.

Context

Zimbabwe's travel restrictions and preventive measures correspond with similar actions other governments are taking globally in response to the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.