National Covid-19 Taskforce chief coordinator, Dr Agnes Mahomva, has hinted at when Zimbabwe is likely to remove the mandatory wearing of face masks.
Zimbabwe’s government introduced the mandatory wearing of face masks in May 2020.
Zimbabweans have been calling for the removal of the mandatory wearing of face masks given that the country’s neighbours South Africa and Botswana have since lifted the mandatory wearing of face masks.
In an interview with a local tabloid, Dr Agnes Mahomva said Zimbabwe’s government is closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation before removing the mandatory wearing of face masks.
She said although the number of new infections and deaths was going down, Government wants to remain vigilant. Dr Mahomva said:
Yes, the numbers are going down and we are so proud as a country that we are doing exceptionally well than other countries in the region and even globally. Despite various challenges, we remained focused.
Dr Agnes Mahomva also hinted at when the government is likely to remove the mandatory wearing of masks in Zimbabwe. She said since Zimbabwe is coming from winter, Government needs to monitor the Covid-19 situation in the country. Dr Mahomva said they are giving it a few weeks before making a decision regarding the mandatory wearing of masks.
From the response, Government is likely to relax the mandatory wearing of masks when the winter season has fully ended. Dr Mahomva said:
This is one of the main reasons we will not be so quick to relax some of the measures to protect people. We are just coming out of winter, but we are keeping our eye on it to see that we are completely out of it before we review and decide what we need to do with face masks. We are giving it a few weeks.
She added that as long as Zimbabwe is recording cases of Covid-19, masks are necessary.-iharare
