Noting the significant decrease in COVID-19 cases Cabinet resolved as follows: a) that those who have been fully vaccinated with the of the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended vaccines are now exempted from mandatory wearing of face masks in outdoor public places but should however wear face masks in indoor public places and on public transport.
Those who are fully vaccinated should carry their vaccination cards all the time; b) that all provinces should continue intensifying COVID-19 vaccination activities in order for the nation to achieve herd immunity;
and c) that the country should remain on high alert for other outbreaks, such as the current Measles, regional Poliomyelitis and the global Monkeypox outbreaks.
The nation is being informed that since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, the country’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 256 561 as at 15 th August, 2022, with 250 733 recoveries and 5 588 deaths. The recovery rate was 98%, with 240 active cases.
The overall number of new COVID-19 cases continued to decrease, with 57 cases being recorded, compared to the 105 recorded the previous week, marking a 46% decline.
An average of 8 new cases were reported per day, compared to 15 the previous week. A total of 13 new admissions were recorded during the week, thereby reflecting a zero percent change from the previous week. Cabinet notes that the pandemic continues to be brought under control in most provinces, with only Midlands Province recording a slight increase in new cases over the past 14 days.
However, two (2) patients were admitted for intensive care at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare. Regarding the national vaccination programme, Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that, as at 15 th August, 2022, a total of 6 390 545 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been administered, while 4 752 575 people had received the second dose, and 959 909 the third dose.
Routine vaccination activities are continuing at all health facilities. The public is encouraged to get vaccinated has we have enough vaccines in the country. Regarding the Monkeypox global outbreak, Cabinet advises that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) global epidemiological situation report of 11th August 2022, a total of 32 960 cases and 12 deaths have been reported from 91 countries since May 2022.
Transmission continues to increase in countries that have not previously reported Monkeypox cases. However, the highest number of cases continues to be reported from countries in the European Region.
Once again, Cabinet advises the nation that no cases of Monkeypox have been recorded in Zimbabwe. The country, nonetheless, remains vigilant for any cases of the disease by continuing to strengthen surveillance and information dissemination.
