President Mnangagwa announces partial lockdown.

President E.D Mnangagwa has extended the Covid-19 induced lockdown by two more weeks although it has been partially downgraded to level 2.

In a televised address, President Mnangagwa said the country was drifting away from the strict lockdown measures and has embraced stage two, which will allow industry to re open.

President Mnangagwa said the extension and relaxation of some sectors is a clear balance between preserving people’s lives and trying to sustain country’s economy which has suffered a slump, due to the abrupt lockdown which meant there was neither production nor generation of income.

Among the recently imposed measures is that businesses can reopen but can only operate between 8am to 3pm.

Businesses would be expected to set up screening protocols and ensure that social distance protocols are observed.

Those that are going to work will be expected to use public transport, while everyone will be mandated to wear a musk,President Mnangagwa said.

Public buses are expected to be disinfected twice a day. Kombis and other private taxis remain banned. Churches, gyms, bottle stores and other recreational facilities will remain closed, while public gatherings of more than 50 people remain banned.President Mnangagwa articulated that the informal sector, except for farm produce remain closed under the new terms. He reiterated that conditions were not yet conducive for the re- opening of schools ,as such learning institutions remain closed.

President Mnangagwa announced an $18 billion economic rescue and stimulus package, $3billion stimulus package for manufacturing,$6 billion for agriculture and $1billion for healthcare. He also announced an income tax break for healthcare workers and health institutions for at least six months.

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Tatenda Mutumhe

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