Zimbabwe has unveiled its plan for mass testing that aims to examine at least 33,000 suspected coronavirus cases by the end of the month. ...
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Zimbabwe has unveiled its plan for mass testing that aims to examine at least 33,000 suspected coronavirus cases by the end of the month.
The ministry of health said it had tested 665 people by Tuesday. The country has so far confirmed 18 cases of coronavirus.Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the mass testing will combine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests - using swabs to collect mucous and saliva samples for testing - as well as using a tuberculosis diagnostic tool approved for Covid-19 testing.
He said Zimbabwe had about 167 of the diagnostic tools and has ordered thousands of cartridges.
The government will prioritise testing for those with flu symptoms, pneumonia, fever, the aged, those with underlying conditions, those who worked during the lockdown, medical and government personnel.
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| Zimbabwe Coronavirus Testing to Intensify |
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's lockdown ended on Sunday but the president has extended the period by two weeks. Zimbabwe’s health minister has warned people against selling unregistered Covid-19 self-test kits.
Obadiah Moyo told the state-owned Herald newspaper that all test kits have to be evaluated by the local authority first, to establish efficacy and to avoid false results. Private companies, including some pharmacies, have been selling rapid testing kits.
Zimbabwe has recorded nine positive cases of the virus from around 340 tests, with one death. The government says it is only conducting tests among those who display coronavirus-like symptoms.
Zimbabwe began a 21-day lockdown on 30 March, but the government appears to be easing some restrictions. On Friday, it reversed a ban on the sale of alcohol from supermarkets, even though liquor stores and bars remain shut.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa also announced that farmers and traders will be allowed to bring in their fresh produce to markets. This came after social media videos showing police seizing and destroying vegetables caused an outcry. - BBC
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