PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has further extended the level two national lockdown amid relaxed conditions that will see licensed bars open to fully vaccinated clients.

Under level two, business hours remain limited to between 8AM and 7PM, the 10PM to 5.30AM curfew remains, social gatherings are limited to 100 and non-essential businesses must have only half the staff on the premises.

Other relaxations apply only to the fully vaccinated who can now play all sports up to 8pm and go to restaurants, gyms, cinemas and theatres.

In her post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the lockdown had been extended with immediate effect.

She said that the continued closure of licensed bars and night clubs had caused not only a loss of income and unemployment, but also resulted in the mushrooming of illegal outlets.

“His Excellency the President Cde ED Mnangangwa has extended the level two lockdown by a further two weeks. The public is advised to continue observing WHO and National Covid-19 protocols of sanitising, masking up, practising social distancing and observing curfew hours,” she said.

“The nation is advised that in view of a potential fourth wave and the general complacency being experienced in most communities following the relaxation from level four to level two lockdown, implementation and enforcement of all Public Health and Social Measures will continue to be strengthened with a focus on vaccine roll-out and awareness campaigns at public places and gatherings.

“In view of sprouting illegal drinking outlets, Cabinet directed that all licensed bars be opened to fully vaccinated clients. Bar owners are also required to ensure that the World Health Organisation and national protocols and guidelines are enforced, failure of which their licences will be withdrawn. The bars are also required to adhere to curfew hours.”

Cabinet noted that new infections decreased during the past week despite the slight increase recorded in learning institutions.

The daily average of new cases according to Min Mutsvangwa dropped to 238 per day from 246, the previous week.

“There has been a decrease in cases of Covid-19 in schools 3 October 2021. There were (815) across the country during the reporting period ending cumulative cases compared to (1267) cases reported last week,” she said.

“The following areas recorded the most significant number of new cases: Matabeleland South (310), Mashonaland East Province (263), Manicaland (251), Matabeleland North (233) and Masvingo (202).”

Statistics also show that the that the number of people in need of hospitalisation for Covid-19 continues to fall, with the country’s bed occupancy rate decreasing from 4,62 percent the previous week to 4,3 percent during the week under review.

“Cabinet wishes to further inform citizens that 943 200 doses of Sinopharm vaccine were received under the COVAX facility. This brings the total number of vaccine doses received since roll-out of the vaccination programme to 13 243 200,” she added. — @thamamoe