Zimbabwe Extends COVID-19 Blockade for Another 2 Weeks



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With 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and four deaths, the danger of the pandemic still seems far away for many in the country, which is already being hit by a deep economic and humanitarian crisis.

Zimbabwean flag Image: Thomas Holder / EWN

JOHANNESBURG: Zimbabwe’s blockade to curb the coronavirus has been extended for another two weeks.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said his government would support the economy through a huge stimulus package, but that immediately led to speculation that authorities will have to start printing money.

No church, no school, no breweries – not many celebrate at the news of a two-week extension.

With 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and four deaths, the danger of the pandemic still seems far away for many in the country, which is already being hit by a deep economic and humanitarian crisis.

In recent days, traffic has been denser on Harare’s roads and in the queues that accumulate for water and cornmeal shortages, and there are reports that authorities have been frustrated.

This is officially lock level 2, so people will be able to leave their homes wearing masks.

But the big question is where the country, which is struggling with cash and has no access to international lines of credit, will receive Zimbabwe’s $ 18 billion trade stimulus package.



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