Zimbabwe’s government lifted a ban on inter-city travel and extended working hours this week as part of measures to revive the economy by easing Covid-19 restrictions.
The country has been under a national lockdown since March with some businesses closed, while a curfew was imposed from 6pm to 6am to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Covid-19 has aggravated the country’s economic challenges, marked by hyperinflation and a shortage of foreign currency.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the government has approved resumption of inter-city travel while schools will be opened for examination classes.
“Cabinet approved the resumption of inter-city travel to facilitate the smooth movement of examination candidates, citizens and visitors,” she said.
“Transporters who wish to ferry passengers for inter-city travel should register with the ministry of transport and infrastructural development to ensure they strictly comply with standard operating procedures for their sector, which are compliant with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and all Covid-19 regulations.
“In support of this service, the vehicle inspection department should also resume its services.”
Mutsvangwa said businesses that were mandated to close by 4.30pm would now be allowed to stay open until 6.30pm.
She said the central registry will be allowed to reopen with immediate effect for citizens to get passports and work permits.
“To facilitate access to critical documentation from the central registry during the Covid-19 lockdown, cabinet has approved that the central registry reopen and offer services, such as the issuance of birth and death certificates, national registrations as well as passports.
“Measures are being put in place to ensure that operations at central registry offices, which are usually characterised by overcrowding, are in line with the ministry of health and childcare and WHO protocols to curtail the transmission of Covid-19.”
The government allowed the resumption of domestic flights last week, which will be followed by international flights next month in a bid to boost tourism.
Mutsvangwa said that following the resumption of domestic tourism, employees in the sector should comply with prescribed Covid-19 regulations.
International travellers are required to provide a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Covid-19 certificate issued 48 hours before departure for Zimbabwe.
Covid-19 has killed more than 200 people in Zimbabwe, with more than 7,000 infections recorded.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.