Government has postponed the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and the independence celebrations until the the threat of corona virus recedes, President Mnangagwa has announced.
In his State of the Nation Address at State House this afternoon, President Mnangagwa says all activities will resume once Government is satisfied that the country is no longer at risk.
“Government has decided to postpone, curtail or cancel public events, gatherings and activities,” he said.
“In that respect, Government has postponed the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, all national independence celebrations previously planned, and pending international sporting fixtures until the threat of corona virus recedes.”
“We must join hands working with the rest of the world on fighting this virus even though it has not yet crossed our borders. We must have a national response plan. Humanity is at risk and stands at hazardous crossroads,” said President Mnangagwa.
Panic-buy
Alarmed consumers thronged markets across Africa on Tuesday, many in masks and gloves, to stock up as the coronavirus spread on the world’s poorest continent.
Food prices rose in some parts, though at least one country, Rwanda, sought to control costs of staple foods.
“It is as if people are preparing for war,” said an astonished shopkeeper as Rwandans clamoured for rice, cooking oil, sugar and flour at a market in the capital Kigali.
“Prices have gone up – but still they buy.”
Initially spared as the coronavirus battered China and then spread out, Africa has seen a rush of cases this month and governments are taking drastic measures to curb its spread. At least 30 African nations have now reported more than 400 cases.
For many poorer Africans focused on surviving day-to-day, panic-buying was a privilege they could not join in with.
The Rwandan shopkeeper, who declined to give his name fearing a visit from inspectors, said Tanzanian rice in his market had risen from 27,000 francs ($29) to 30,000 francs per 25 kg bag while Pakistani rice was up from 22,000 francs to 28,000 francs.
