Zimbabwe's Ambassador To China Issues Statement On The Coronavirus Outbreak {Full Text}

The Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Beijing notes with deep appreciation the sterling efforts by the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China in fighting the COVID19.

Enormous human and material recourse have been committed to containing the spread of the virus and treating the infected and this is being done with the aim of safeguarding the well being of mankind since this is a global epidemic.

We pay tribute to the heroes in the frontline on the battle against the spread of the COVID19 as we also thank the people of China in their various walks of life for their discipline, resilience and perseverance in particularly sacrificing their personal gratification and comforts in dutifully complying with measures set by the government in its efforts to contain this extraordinary situation.

As witnesses to the unfolding situation, we have the full confidence in the capacity and will of the Government of the People’s Republic of China to bring the situation under control.

On our part, the best we can positively contribute is urging all to remain calm and follow instructions as officially disseminated.

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With current statistics standing at 42 200 confirmed cases of infection, 3000 who have been treated and 1 016 deaths across China and 405 confirmed infection cases in 26 other countries, the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in the People’s Republic of China is continuing to monitor developments regarding the epidemic.

We are particularly aware of the anxieties of the Zimbabwean community in China and those at home hence we continue to urge all not to panic as well as encourage them to follow all the measures put in place by the Chinese Government to ensure their health and safety.

We wish to point out that currently no Zimbabwean has been reported to have been infected by the virus; hence, our insistence for our nationals to keep on following the measures put in place.

We have full confidence of the preventive measures that the Chinese authorities have put in place which includes the lockdown of Wuhan City and Hubei province(the epicentre of the epidemic), the instruction for the people to observe staying indoors, wearing medical masks when going outside, avoiding close contact, practising cleanliness.

Avoiding crowded places, the delayed start of the spring semester at schools, colleges and Universities, the quarantine of infected people and traced suspects etc. The above measures have also been endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Embassy is in contact with the Chinese authorities in order to get updates on China’s efforts to control the spread of the virus and useful recommendations on how the Zimbabwean community in China can continue to stay safe.

The Embassy has so far participated in two briefings conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It also constantly receives circulars from the Chinese Government on updates regarding the epidemic which it shares with its nationals.

The Chinese Government has indicated that their top priority is to control the spread of the epidemic and hence has placed people life, security and health regardless of race and nationality.

China is fighting the outbreak not only for the sake of the health and safety of its people but of the world at large. China acknowledges that countries care very much about their nation’s safety in China, but has promised that it would also ensure the health and safety of foreigners though hotlines, open letters and other means.

The preventive measures are meant to contribute to global public health, thus reducing the risk of spreading the virus to other countries around the world.

In this regard, the Chinese Government has urged all diplomatic missions to urge their citizens in Wuhan City and Hubei province to observe local Government requirements and refrain from leaving Wuhan and Hubei without approval, before the coronavirus control comes to an end.

According to the professional evaluation by the WHO, the safest way for foreign nationals in Wuhan and Hubei is to stay put and ensure effective self-protection.

Hence, the Chinese Government is discouraging hast movement of people (evacuations) as this is likely to spread the virus to other countries.

Universities in China are also implementing the lockdown system whereby students in campuses are encouraged to stay indoors as a preventive measure for their health and safety.

Those who have gone out of Campus or went to their countries during the winter break should stay where they are and keep in touch with their Universities and only come back when told to do so.

We also encourage students who went back to Zimbabwe to also be in constant contact with their respective University as well as the Chinese Embassy in Harare in order to get accurate information on the situation.

Universities in China have also commenced online lessons so that students will be able to graduate on time.
In this regard, we encourage all Zimbabweans with a relative in China to encourage them to be calm and follow preventive measures put in place during this difficult period.

We remain hopeful that no adverse effects will befall any of them. We also wish to express our profound gratitude to the Chinese Government for all the efforts being made to ensure the health and safety of our nationals and the public at large.

We remain hopeful that China will win this battle and find an effective solution in due course.

Lt Gen. (Rtd) Dr M. Chedondo Ambassador
12 February 2020