THE Southern African Development Community Secretariat has suspended all planned meetings and is mooting holding virtual meetings as the worldwide total of coronavirus cases surpassed 100,000 on Friday morning.
In a communication sent to Sadc member states the regional bloc said it had taken the latest decision in light of recent developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The outbreak has seen a number of countries and institutions taking responsible precaution measures to prevent the risk of exposure to contracting and spreading the deadly virus.
“In this phase of preparedness and uncertain moment, the Sadc Secretariat regrets to inform you that all planned Sadc events around this period, have been put on hold until further notice, when the situation has normalised and this global pandemic has been contained,” Sadc said in a statement seen by Zim Morning Post.
“We recognise that the timing of this prudent decision may pose an inconvenience on you, however, it was made out of profound concern for the health and well-being of the Sadc citizens.”
Sadc concluded: “In balance of Sadc’s critical work and health concern for everyone, we are exploring videoconference or teleconference to shift to virtual meetings when we can and will advise in due course.”
The virus has reached 81 countries and territories around the world, with South Korea, Iran and Italy emerging as hotspots outside China.
In a statement on Tuesday, Health minister Obadiah Moyo said travellers and visitors into Zimbabwe with signs and symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 will be referred immediately to designated isolation centres for further clinical examination and assistance.
The signs and symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Earlier, President Emmerson Mnangagwa banned ministers and civil servants from foreign travel in response to the international outbreak of the new coronavirus.
This comes after South Africa confirmed its first coronavirus case after a 38-year-old man who traveled to Italy tested positive.
