HARARE – Zimbabwe shortened an overnight curfew imposed to combat the coronavirus pandemic and extended business hours despite rising cases, the government said after a weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa last month announced a 6PM to 6AM curfew, but Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said this had left commuters stranded without transport.
The overnight curfew will now start at 8PM, while business hours will be extended to 4.30PM from 3PM.
Mutsvangwa said ministers had also lifted a requirement for returning residents to spend two weeks at quarantine centers before they are allowed on their journey. Only those testing positive on arrival would now be sent to quarantine centers.
Zimbabwe has recorded 5,308 cases and 135 deaths.
Officials fear a wholesale removal of restrictions on movement would see a spike in infections and overwhelm a health sector that is collapsing due to strikes by workers and lack of medicines and protective clothing.
The government banned public taxis in March, but the state-owned bus company, ZUPCO, is failing to cope, forcing commuters to queue well beyond curfew hours.
Ministers said police should create express lanes for public transport buses at checkpoints to ease delays. – Reuters
