1.0   ZIMBABWE’S RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND REPORT ON THE PROCUREMENT AND ROLLOUT OF VACCINES

Cabinet received an update on the country’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and a Report on Procurement and Roll-Out of Vaccines, as presented by the Chairman of the Ministers’ COVID-19 National Committee, Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Dr C.G.D.N. Chiwenga.

The nation is advised that as of 6 March 2022, Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 239 209, with 228 774 recoveries and 5 339 deaths.  The recovery rate stood at 96%, with 5 066 active cases having been recorded.  This week the number of cases recorded went up to 3 234, compared to 2 623 last week.  Cabinet reports that during the week under review, the number of people in need of hospitalization for COVID-19 increased.  The bed occupancy rate increased from 2.0% last week to 3.2%.  A total of eighty-one (81) new admissions were recorded during the week compared to fifty-one (51) last week.  No patient was admitted in the intensive care unit during the week.  It is reported that an increase in mobility and number of gatherings across the country following the relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions contributed to the increase in cases.