Health Ministry: Zimbabwe Not In COVID-19 Epidemic

Zimbabwe is currently outside the declared COVID-19 epidemic and is therefore not routinely testing every patient presenting with influenza-like symptoms, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has said.

Addressing the media in Harare on Thursday, 13 August, Health and Child Care Permanent Secretary Aspect Maunganidze said testing remained available where health professionals considered it necessary.

He said that so far, 302 tests had been conducted for specific indications, with none detecting coronavirus.

Maunganidze said most people recover from influenza without complications, but urged greater caution among groups at increased risk of severe illness.

These include children under five, particularly infants, people aged above 65, pregnant women and people living with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and HIV, as well as people with weakened immune systems.

He urged the public to take simple measures to limit transmission.

“We advise the public and encourage them to wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. We also advise covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing,” he said.

“Wear a face mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated places.”

He added: “We are not advocating for universal use of face masks, but in the circumstances that I’ve mentioned.”

He, however, encouraged people not to delay seeking medical attention when symptoms become severe, particularly among young children.

More: The Herald