Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed that restaurants in the key resort town of Victoria Falls operate for extended hours under more relaxed regulations.
The government has for some time been claiming that over 60 per cent of the Victoria Falls population has been fully vaccinated, hence, herd immunity for COVID-19 has been attained.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, as of 26 July, 22 226 people out of a possible 27 000 people eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, had received their first dose while 17 391 had been fully vaccinated in the city.
Cabinet announced this week the opening of Kazungula and Livingstone border posts to allow tourism activities to resume.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa on Friday confirmed the decision by President Mnangagwa to allow restaurant operators to open. She said:
In line with the decision taken by Cabinet this last Tuesday, July 27 to open Kazungula and Livingstone Border posts in Victoria Falls to tourists who are fully vaccinated, HE President ED Mnangagwa has further directed that this decision be extended to restaurants in Victoria Falls.
Let it be noted that the standing curfew regulations remain in place. The move is being taken cognisant of the fact that Vic Falls has since achieved herd immunity.
This is courtesy of the pilot vaccination programme carried out by our Government in this premier tourist destination.
Mutsvangwa added that the usual COVID-19 health protocols as enunciated by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in consent with WHO (World Health Organisation) that is wearing (face) masks, maintaining social distance, sanitising hands and others all stand to be maintained.
