Govt Concerned With Zimbabwe's 'COVID-19 Second Wave'

The government of Zimbabwe has expressed concern over an increase in COVID-19 positive cases recorded in the last few days as fear of a COVID-19 second wave grips the authorities, New Zimbabwe reports.

Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the spike in COVID-19 cases is giving the government sleepless nights when he said:

Of concern, is the increase in the number of new cases detected from 281 recorded in week 46 to 594 in week 47 following the re-opening of schools.

Enforcement of the measures and communication of the same is being intensified while schools will remain open only if they adhere to the standard operating procedures.

A medical doctor who spoke to the publication said schools and borders were prematurely opened and the government is not yet ready to deal with the virus:

Schools were hurriedly re-opened following recommendations from government. Borders re-opened December 1, but the pandemic continues to gather pace. The government must understand that Covid-19 was discovered around this time last year, so it is just beginning and not ending. Lockdown measures must be tightened as we enter the festive season and look forward to 2021.

This comes after reports of several schools recording positive cases while students are supposed to be writing their ZIMSEC end of year examinations.

More: New Zimbabwe