Residents and visitors coming into Zimbabwe are no longer required to present a negative PCR certificate on arrival at ports of entry, Cabinet has resolved.
Only a valid vaccination certificate showing that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with any one of the WHO-approved vaccines will suffice.
The move is in recognition of the declining COVID-19 new cases, most of which are now very mild or have no symptoms and increasing vaccination coverage.
A negative PCR certificate will only be a requirement if the returning resident or visitor is not fully vaccinated.
“Government wishes to remind all citizens that COVID-19 is still with us and is, therefore, appealing to all Zimbabweans to continue adhering to the laid down World Health Organisation protocols at all times,” Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa told journalists during a post Cabinet briefing.
As at 28 March, 2022, the country’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 245 927, with 237 295 recoveries and 5 438 deaths.
The recovery rate was 96%, with 3 194 active cases having been recorded. The number of new COVID-19 cases decreased to 1 301 during the week under review, compared to the 2 004 recorded the previous week.
The number of cases in need of hospitalisation for COVID-19 continues to decrease, with the country’s bed occupancy rate declining to 1.3% during the week under review, from 2.3% the previous week. There were no admissions to intensive care unit.
Regarding the national vaccination programme, as at 28 March, 2022, a total of 4 917 541 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been administered, while 3 498 431 people had received their second dose. A total of 288 693 third doses have been administered to date.
The National Vaccination Blitz saw 481 005 doses being administered between 21 and 25 March, 2022.
