Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to tighten lockdown restrictions and postpone the reopening of schools, to curb rising COVID-19 transmissions.

Cases rose above 1000 this week, while 19 people have so far died.

Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said in a statement during Cabinet meeting said the government is disturbed by the recent spike in local infections.

The measures below will soon be implemented:

The current lockdown restrictions will be tightened while localised lockdowns are introduced in hotspot areas and further opening up of the economy is halted.

Testing in communities with high cases of local transmission such as Bulawayo will be increased

The re-opening of schools, which had been set for July 28, willbe deferred pending a review of the situation. However, the writing of public examinations continues.

Government shall have the sole responsibility for inter-city travel for those that really require to travel especially to seek medical attention
No timelines for some of the measures were given.

Mutsvangwa said Mnangagwa is to announce “comprehensive measures” on the country’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.