THE number of new coronaries cases have doubled over the past seven days, leading to a rise in hospitalizations over the same period, the Zimbabwean cabinet has warned.
By Staff Reporter
Briefing Journalists during Post Cabinet Media Briefing, Acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Joram Gumbo said, “As of 21 February, 2022, Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 233 352, with 224 940 recoveries and 5 386 deaths. The recovery rate stood at 96%, with 929 active cases having been recorded.
The number of new COVID-19 cases increased to 1 971 during the week under review, compared to 929 recorded the previous week. The following areas recorded the most significant number of new cases : – Masvingo (642); Manicaland (402); Mashonaland East (280); and Matabeleland North (191).”
In terms of hospital admissions, he advised that the number of people in need of hospitalization for COVID-19 increased, with the country’s bed occupancy rate increasing from 1.3% the previous week to 2.1% during the week under review. A total of fifty-four new admissions were recorded during the week compared to thirty-two the previous week.
Meanwhile, regarding the national vaccination programme, as at 18 February, 2022, the cumulative number of first, second and third doses administered stood at 4 336 120, 3 369 172 as well as 101 748 respectively.
“Of concern is the low vaccine coverages for Chitungwiza City (25.5%), Mashonaland East Provinces (31.6%) and Mashonaland West Province (28.8%). During that during the week under review, 145 learners in 38 schools tested positive for COVID-19, while 11 members of staff also tested positive. All the active cases detected through the schools’ surveillance system are under isolation and being managed in accordance with the relevant protocols.
“Cabinet resolved as follows: That, in view of the science-based guidance from the Paediatric Association of Zimbabwe Special COVID-19 Vaccine Group, COVID-19 vaccination be extended to the 12 to 15 years age group; that the Risk Communication Sub-committee should urgently meet with the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) unit of the Ministry of Health and Child Care and begin to prepare and mobilise communities for the March to June national vaccination blitz.”
He added that Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution and their teams should urgently finalise their updated vaccination strategies and micro plans for the harmonised vaccination blitz in line with the agreed timelines; and that strict enforcement of all COVID-19 regulations must continue, coupled with strengthened risk communication on the pandemic must continue.
