What's the government response timeline for Zimbabwe?

On January 27, 2020, the Ministry of Health and the Chinese Embassy in Harare issued a joint statement urging Zimbabweans and Chinese nationals to delay or cancel travel between the two countries. This was reported on January 28, by the official Herald newspaper, in an article titled “Coronavirus: Zim, China urge delays in travel”. https://zimfact.org/coronavirus-the-facts-on-zimbabwes-stance-on-china-travel/

ZIMBABWE and Chinese authorities are encouraging travellers between the two countries to either delay or cancel unnecessary journeys to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus Surveillance systems in Zimbabwe have also been activated with special focus being put on the main ports of entry and exit; Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Joshua Nkomo International Airport and Victoria Falls and Beitbridge ground ports. Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo yesterday toured Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport’s surveillance section to assess the screening of people coming into Zimbabwe. https://www.herald.co.zw/coronavirus-zim-china-urge-delays-in-travel/

Ministry of Health Twitter Says “The country is on high alert with regards to the 2019 Novel Corona Virus and protocols and measures have been put in place at all points of entry into the country” https://zimfact.org/coronavirus-the-facts-on-zimbabwes-stance-on-china-travel/

Zimbabwean government's entry and exit requirements were published on 4 March 2020 - People visiting Zimbabwe from countries affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) without valid medical certificates showing they are negative, will be sent back at the port of entry as the country strengthens its fight against the spread of the virus. The medical clearance certificates should show that the visitors were examined for symptoms and tested for COVID-19 at a Government-designated institution in their home country. https://www.iata.org/contentassets/6c7c250671164fff9390e0b5f5177967/zimbabwe-ncov-measures.pdf

Educational update on Ministry of Health Website recommendations and advice for public about hygiene http://www.mohcc.gov.zw/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=category&id=15&Itemid=741

Zimbabwe declares the virus a state of national disaster and banned public gatherings of more than 100 people, for the next 60 days. Banned gatherings include church services, weddings, and all international sporting fixtures. https://www.africanews.com/2020/03/17/despite-zero-case-zimbabwe-declares-national-emergency-over-covid-19/ . See also https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/world/africa/2020-03-17-zimbabwe-cancels-biggest-trade-fair-to-stave-off-coronavirus/ https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/zimbabwe-declares-coronavirus-a-national-disaster-bans-weddings-and-gatherings-45122118

Zimbabwe declares the virus a state of national disaster and banned public gatherings of more than 100 people, for the next 60 days. Banned gatherings include church services, weddings, and all international sporting fixtures. https://www.africanews.com/2020/03/17/despite-zero-case-zimbabwe-declares-national-emergency-over-covid-19/ . See also https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/world/africa/2020-03-17-zimbabwe-cancels-biggest-trade-fair-to-stave-off-coronavirus/ https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/zimbabwe-declares-coronavirus-a-national-disaster-bans-weddings-and-gatherings-45122118

Ban on gathering in nightclubs, bars, beerhalls, movie houses, swimming pools, sporting activities. Public gatherings should not exceed 50 people. These include religious fellowship, weddings, conferences workshops, and funerals. https://twitter.com/MoHCCZim/status/1242184950989893633/photo/1 /web/20200425191819/ https://www.herald.co.zw/new-measures-to-stop-covid-19/ https://www.zimbabwesituation.com/news/new-measures-to-stop-covid-19/=

Ban on gathering in nightclubs, bars, beerhalls, movie houses, swimming pools, sporting activities. Public gatherings should not exceed 50 people. Ministry of Health statement iii. Public gatherings: All public gatherings should not exceed 50 persons. These include religious fellowship, weddings, conferences, workshops and funerals. /web/20200425192038/ https://twitter.com/MoHCCZim/status/1242180289666985986?s=20 /web/20200425192150/ https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/23/africa/zimbabwe-broadcaster-dies-coronavirus/ https://twitter.com/MoHCCZim/status/1242184950989893633/photo/1 /web/20200425191819/ https://www.herald.co.zw/new-measures-to-stop-covid-19/

Until further notice, Government was discouraging unnecessary travel within the country including unnecessary movements beyond homes. . While Government will not, at this stage, close down informal markets, citizens are encouraged to limit their visits to such markets and in any case to reduce the numbers involved as well as frequencies to these markets. /web/20200425191833/ https://www.herald.co.zw/new-measures-to-stop-covid-19/

Until further notice, Government was discouraging unnecessary travel within the country including unnecessary movements beyond homes. . While Government will not, at this stage, close down informal markets, citizens are encouraged to limit their visits to such markets and in any case to reduce the numbers involved as well as frequencies to these markets. /web/20200425191833/ https://www.herald.co.zw/new-measures-to-stop-covid-19/

The president announced the closure of the country's borders to all human traffic except for returning residents and cargo. He said returning residents will be subject to strict screening procedures including rigorous enforcement of the 21-day self-quarantine. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/24/c_138909326.htm https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/coronavirus-zimbabwe-reports-first-death-shuts-borders/article31146790.ece

Schools and tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe shut down on Tuesday 24 March as a precaution to contain the spread of COVID-19. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges and universities as a precaution against outbreak and spread of coronavirus following massive criticism for keeping the schools open. https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20200323065236567 https://iharare.com/schools-to-close-on-tuesday-24-march-due-to-coronavirus-breaking-news/

Ministry of Health Twitter campaign showing how covid is spread and encouraging people to stay home to stop the spread https://twitter.com/healthtimeszim/status/1242513020422623237

"The Ministry of Health in Zimbabwe is currently tracing people who might have been in contact with the country's prominent journalist who died of Covid-19." [ https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/africa/covid-19-death-zim-tracing-people-who-came-into-contact-with-deceased-man/ar-BB11CzZY]

Coronavirus taskforce set up. “The following terms of reference will guide the taskforce’s operations, to raise the general awareness of the public on the pandemic” Ministry of Health offers information about Coronavirus via whats app on its Twitter page https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-covid-19-task-force-set/ https://twitter.com/MoHCCZim/status/1242729367249260549

From today (Friday), in Zimbabwe Covid-19 awareness messages will be broadcast on two national radio stations in three local languages, reaching five million people (this is sponsored by Goal Global, an NGO) https://www.goalglobal.org/stories/irish-humanitarian-aid-agency-goal-leading-fight-against-spread-of-covid-19-in-zimbabwe/

Zimbabwean authorities on Monday began enforcing a three-week lockdown in its fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) after the disease left one person dead and infected six others. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a 21-day "total" lockdown from Monday curtailing movement within the country, shutting most shops and suspending flights in and out of Zimbabwe. Police mounted checkpoints on routes leading to Harare's central business district, stopping cars and turning away pedestrians who had no authorisation to be in the area “Sayeed said his business would take a knock, but he did not dare ignore the lockdown, which will be imposed with both police and military patrols.” With the unemployment rate estimated at around 90%, most Zimbabweans have informal jobs to eke out a living and few have substantial savings. https://www.news24.com/Africa/Zimbabwe/coronavirus-zimbabwe-begins-21-day-total-lockdown-20200330 https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/zimbabweans-fear-starving-in-their-own-homes-as-21-day-coronavirus-lockdown-looms-20200329

The Zimbabwean government announced a lockdown starting from 30 March. This lockdown has now been extended until 3 May. Public transport is now very limited. Zimbabwean authorities on Monday began enforcing a three-week lockdown In the township of Mbare, the usually bustling terminus for long-distance buses was deserted with only municipal street cleaners sweeping the empty bus ranks. We have been waiting here for more than two hours but there are no buses," Jawure told AFP while standing with his wife and daughter beside a bulging suitcase. https://www.news24.com/Africa/Zimbabwe/coronavirus-zimbabwe-begins-21-day-total-lockdown-20200330 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zimbabwe/return-to-the-uk

“Starting Monday March 30, 2020, and subject to further review, Zimbabwe will be under a total lockdown for a period of 21 days,” Mnangagwa said. “This means all our citizens are required to stay at home except, of course, in respect of essential movements relating to seeking health services, to purchase and procure food and medicines and other critical services supplies.” GVT “staying home means- only go outside for food and health reasons. Do not meet or visit others, even friends and family” https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/03/mnangagwa-imposes-21-day-lockdown/ /web/20200425192306/ https://twitter.com/MoHCCZim/status/1244265605429149698/photo/1

“Starting Monday March 30, 2020, and subject to further review, Zimbabwe will be under a total lockdown for a period of 21 days,” Mnangagwa said. “This means all our citizens are required to stay at home except, of course, in respect of essential movements relating to seeking health services, to purchase and procure food and medicines and other critical services supplies.” GVT “staying home means- only go outside for food and health reasons. Do not meet or visit others, even friends and family” https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/03/mnangagwa-imposes-21-day-lockdown/ /web/20200425192306/ https://twitter.com/MoHCCZim/status/1244265605429149698/photo/1

‘Stay at home. Don’t travel’ (Government tweet) /web/20200425192526/ https://twitter.com/MoHCCZim/status/1246242452312375296/photo/1

$200 approved to be transferred to each "poor person" to assist with coronavirus-related expenses. One time cash transfer. https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/04/needy-people-to-get-200-lockdown-cushion/

"Zimbabwe currently has one COVID-19 testing centre situated at the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory. [...] Some people are worried to the extent of questioning if the country has the required manpower and enough machines to do the job expeditiously." [ http://www.mohcc.gov.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=253%3Acovid-19-testing-in-zimbabwe&catid=79%3Aslider&Itemid=435&highlight=WyJ0ZXN0aW5nIiwidGVzdCIsInRlc3RzIiwidGVzdGVkIl0%3D] "With kits unavailable, neither doctors nor suspected sufferers are being tested." [ https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/09/doctors-sue-zimbabwe-government-over-lack-of-covid-19-protective-equipment]

With fourteen cases: "Active contact tracing for the late, case #11 from Bulawayo is in progress. To date, we have identified 47 primary contacts of this case." [ https://www.africanews.com/2020/04/12/coronavirus-zimbabwe-covid-19-update-on-11-april-2020//]

The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended stay-at-home measures until at least May 3 /web/20200425192442/ https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/calls-grow-reopen-parts-zimbabwe-crisis-ridden-economy-200422235520476.html /web/20200425192336/ https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/covid-19-coronavirus-zimbabwe/5366479.html

The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended stay-at-home measures until at least May 3 /web/20200425192442/ https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/calls-grow-reopen-parts-zimbabwe-crisis-ridden-economy-200422235520476.htm /web/20200425192336/ https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/covid-19-coronavirus-zimbabwe/5366479.html

PREPARATIONS for the second school term have begun but opening will now be delayed as authorities roll out changes to how the academic institutions will operate in view of the Covid-19 scourge. They were scheduled to open on May 5. Zimbabwe’s lockdown was last week extended by a fortnight to May 3. https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/schools-opening-put-on-hold

Mnangagwa, in his address at State House Friday, also said public transport such as commuter omnibuses remain banned with buses being the only public transport allowed to operate. Public buses only will be mode of transport; omnibus, kombis, smaller taxis are still not permitted to operate. https://www.newzimbabwe.com/breaking-mnangagwa-extends-zimbabwe-lockdown-by-another-14-days/

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended the country's lockdown by two weeks to contain the coronavirus, while working people complain that they can’t make a living. Mnangagwa's response to them - it’s better for the economy to suffer than for the pandemic to kill people. The measure is intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 and requires all public activities to cease and most commercial enterprises to close, with exceptions for certain food and fuel vendors as well as health-related facilities. But some Zimbabweans, like Edmore Hangamwe, an informal trader, says the lockdown, which will now end mid-May, will bring hunger to his home if he stops selling vegetables at a popular market in Harare. He says lockdowns only work in the developed world. https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/zimbabwe-extends-covid-lockdown-despite-pleas-workers https://zw.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

HARARE, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday extended the COVID-19 national lockdown indefinitely. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/16/c_139062327.htm

HARARE, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday extended the COVID-19 national lockdown indefinitely. Under Level 2 lockdown, industry and commerce have been allowed to reopen under supervision while the informal sector remains closed. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/16/c_139062327.htm

HARARE, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday extended the COVID-19 national lockdown indefinitely. Inter-city travel remains banned, as well as public gatherings of more than 50 people. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/16/c_139062327.htm

HARARE, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday extended the COVID-19 national lockdown indefinitely. Inter-city travel remains banned, as well as public gatherings of more than 50 people. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/16/c_139062327.htm

HARARE, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday extended the COVID-19 national lockdown indefinitely. Inter-city travel remains banned, as well as public gatherings of more than 50 people. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/16/c_139062327.

HARARE, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday extended the COVID-19 national lockdown indefinitely. Those in public places are required to wear face masks at all times. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/16/c_139062327.htm

HARARE, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday extended the COVID-19 national lockdown indefinitely. Inter-city travel remains banned http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/16/c_139062327.htm

All borders are closed to non-residents. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zimbabwe/entry-requirements HARARE, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday extended the COVID-19 national lockdown indefinitely. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/16/c_139062327.htm

"Some colleges and universities have opened and schools will open in July 2020." https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"The authorities have opened the formal economy with bi-weekly reviews following a 35-day lockdown initiated on March 30, 2020. The informal sector has also been opened subject to regularization in terms of registration and improved sanitary services." https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Religious events (e.g. church services) allowed. "Churches and mosques are now open with a prohibition of not more than 50 people." https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"Churches and mosques are now open with a prohibition of not more than 50 people." https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

If universities as well as the formal and informal economies are open, it makes sense that people are not required to say home en masse. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

"Zimbabwe’s borders are closed to non-residents." "People returning to Zimbabwe are subject to a 21-day quarantine period at a government facility." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zimbabwe/entry-requirements

"announced that in June they would start paying US$75 to civil servants and US$30 to pensioners to cushion them from the COVID-19 pandemic effects and the challenging economic situation. This is an interim arrangements and will be implemented from June to August 2020." https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Continuing to test - "As at June 17, 2020, Zimbabwe had undertaken 60,585 tests for COVID-19 and had 401 confirmed cases" https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

All levels of education remain closed in Zimbabwe. To assist students, the government has implemented an online learning tool https://www.ft.com/content/d88ad324-b22e-11ea-94fc-9a676a727e5a

The government has reopened the formal economy with testing and screening requirements for companies that decided to reopen. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19 https://reliefweb.int/report/zimbabwe/zimbabwe-situation-report-10-july-2020

Although all public gatherings are required to be cancelled, religious gatherings are restricted to 50 people. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Gatherings are restricted to only 50 peoples. There are no recorded exceptions to this policy. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

The government has the policy to restrict private-owned busses. However, state-owned public transport is still allowed to operate. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/20/c_139070480.htm

Staying at home is recommended as there has been a surge in covid-19 measures since the the lockdown measures were eased. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Certain lockdown measures were extended in may. This includes intercity travel which is still banned. http://knowyourcity.info/2020/06/zimbabwe-federation-response-covid-19/

Although a citizens are allowed to return, all borders to zimbabwe remain closed. http://knowyourcity.info/2020/06/zimbabwe-federation-response-covid-19/

The government of Zimbabwe embarked on a cash transfer programme for vulnerable households. There are also programs to support small and medium enterprises. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

No recorded debt relief measures. Although there are tax relief measures for certain companies. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

There is a coordinated public information campaign to inform the public of safety measures and health policies. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Due to a limited testing capacity, only the symptomatic and eligible are being tested. These included certain workers and returning migrants. https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Situation%20Report%20-%20Zimbabwe%20-%2010%20Jul%202020.pdf

This is limited due to the limited testing capacity https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Situation%20Report%20-%20Zimbabwe%20-%2010%20Jul%202020.pdf

Schools formerly scheduled to reopen on July 28 will remain closed, though according to media sources, mid-year public examinations which began last month will continue as scheduled. /web/20200730213943/ https://healthtimes.co.zw/2020/07/14/covid-19-zim-tightens-lockdown-schools-reopening-deferred-economy-reopening-halted/

Starting 22 July, security forces will enforce a curfew between 6pm-6am local time. All non-working people will be required to stay at home, except to buy groceries and seek medical attention. Business hours will be limited to 8am to 3pm, apart from those performing essential services. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/zimbabwe-imposes-curfew-spike-coronavirus-infections-200722052647613.html

Country wide closure of schools. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

All gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, unless you need to access an essential service in which case you should try to maintain social distancing. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zimbabwe/coronavirus

Public transport is now very limited. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zimbabwe/coronavirus

Zimbabwe is currently in indefinite lockdown. During this time, you are required to stay at home except to buy essential food or medicine, or seek essential healthcare. There is a curfew between 1800hrs to 0600hrs which is being enforced by the security services. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zimbabwe/coronavirus

Zimbabwe’s borders are closed to all human traffic except for returning Zimbabwean nationals and permit holders. Borders remain open for cargo. https://zw.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

Zimbabwe's test cricket series against Afghanistan, scheduled to be held in Harare later this month, has been called off in the wake of the latest spike in Covid-19 infections. "The government advises that the country was not ready to host any visiting sports teams yet." https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29619831/covid-19-impact-zimbabwe-v-afghanistan-t20i-series-called-off

Zimbabweans will mark Heroes' Day (Aug 10) and Defense Forces Day (Aug 11) without gatherings this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities said on Tuesday. "There will be no gatherings this year to mark both events. His Excellency, the President will address the nation using virtual platforms," Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said at a briefing. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zimbabwe/coronavirus

Lockdown still in place. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zimbabwe/coronavirus

"Zimbabwe’s borders are closed to all human traffic except for returning Zimbabwean nationals and permit holders." https://zw.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

Zimbabwe, alongside six other African countries, will start administering coronavirus antibody tests from next week, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has announced. https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/zimbabwe-seven-other-nations-to-start-anti-covid-19-body-tests/5542575.html

The curfew has been shortened to 20:00 to 06:00 (from 18:00-06:00), to help commuters get home and extend business hours by 90 minutes until 16:30. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/370591/zimbabwe-authorities-reduce-covid-19-curfew-hours-august-18-update-13

The curfew has been shortened to 20:00 to 06:00 (from 18:00-06:00), to help commuters get home and extend business hours by 90 minutes until 16:30. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/370591/zimbabwe-authorities-reduce-covid-19-curfew-hours-august-18-update-13

"Serological testing capacity currently stands at 1000 to 1500 tests a day, up from just 25 tests on 10 April. But there are concerns in the medical community that testing is happening mostly in urban populations and that it may not capture current infection levels. Reinaldo Ortuno, Médecins Sans Frontières’ head of mission in Harare, told The BMJ, “The number of tests outside Harare and Bulawayo is close to zero." https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3267