By Priscilla Muzerengwa August 2, 2020 / Harare Zimbabwe
The COVID-19 pandemic is leaving trails of destruction as people are still coming to terms with this reality. As in many places, our way of life has been very different. The pandemic is expected to have far-reaching implications, even creating permanent marks into the future.
The Zimbabwe government began a nationwide lockdown on March 30, 2020, which was slightly eased and extended indefinitely in May. On July 22, government reinstated strict measures and a 12-hour curfew (6am – 6pm) to curb the spread of the disease following a spike in confirmed coronavirus infections.
As of August 3, 2020, Zimbabwe had 3921 confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and 70 deaths.
The public is required to remain in their homes, wash hands frequently, practice physical distancing, and wear face masks when it is necessary to go out to buy groceries or seek medical attention. Business hours are limited to 8am to 3pm, apart from those performing essential services. The measure is intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 and requires public activities to cease and informal markets to close, with exceptions for certain food and fuel vendors as well as health-related facilities.
Government, churches and non-governmental organizations are working hard to serve, uplift and support communities. This has brought hope and restored the lives of many. Messages of hope and prevention have been shared through SMS, WhatsApp, radio, television, posters, fliers and many other online platforms.
Coronavirus drove people to life online helping them live socially when community is restricted physically. It has become evident that access to the Internet and digital technologies can be a lifesaver. Health-related information is reducing the spread of the virus and saving lives of many.
Read more about the pandemic in Zimbabwe at https://zw.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/. Your gifts for Zimbabwe can help in their efforts to educate and inspire communities with limited access to internet and electricity. Give now.