Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa says South Africa’s covid-19 variant has hit Zimbabwe hardly.

During a press briefing, Mutsvangwa said the so-called “501.YV2” South Africa variant, which spreads faster and is more deadly, has gained massive traction in Zimbabwe.

“Accordingly, the nation now needs to be more vigilant than before and adhere to Covid-19 prevention and control measures,” Mutsvangwa said.

Zimbabwe received 200,000 Sinopharm doses donated by the Chinese government. An additional 600,000 doses will arrive in March.

Voluntary immunisation rollout targeting 10 million Zimbabweans or 60 percent of the population will come with a US$6,7 million price tag.