Zimbabwe has been classified among few African countries with modest COVID-19 risk in yet another endorsement of the country’s efforts in reducing the spread of the pandemic.
The country’s COVID-19 response strategies continue to get recognition, with the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention being the latest organisation to pass a vote of confidence on Zimbabwe’s strides in fighting COVID-19.
Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) Deputy President, Mr Wengai Nhau welcomed the endorsement of the destination as a moderate risk country and is bullish it will inspire confidence among tourists.
Whatever criteria they used, it was before we increased the vaccination levels and my view is that if they are to do another assessment, we will certainly move from moderate to low risk. It is a major boost for tourism which puts us in a good position to restart tourism,” said Nhau.
Tourism players have also described the COVID-19 moderate risk tag as testimony of the country’s untiring efforts in prioritising the safety of tourists and public health.
“For me its exciting news that we have been classified among the moderate risk countries. We look forward to receiving more guests now especially after we have rolled out a mass COVID-19 vaccination exercise here in Victoria Falls,” said Sandrah Gilbert, Immeku Investments Director.
CDC came up with a 4-level system to determine COVID-19 risks, with countries listed in level 1 being low risk destinations while those in level 4 are very high-risk nations.
Zimbabwe, Benin, Rwanda, Mauritania and Mauritius are on level 2 (moderate risk) while the majority of African countries are on level 4.
