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Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter
THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has appealed to Government for the extension of lockdown trading hours in order to boost sales.

Although the country remains under Level 4 lockdown, Cabinet on Wednesday approved the reopening of schools next week while restaurants can now allow fully vaccinated customers to sit in for meals.

CZR president, Mr Denford Mutashu, said while the retail sector was appreciative of the extended Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown they desired a review of some of the terms.

“CZR is, therefore, kindly appealing for an extension of operating hours from the current 8AM to 3.30PM to 7AM to 5PM while curfew hours be moved from the current 6.30PM to 6AM to 10PM to 5.30AM,” he said.

“CZR strongly believes that this humble request will go a long way in alleviating the gravy negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on business as costs have been on an unrelenting upward trajectory.”

The retailers’ body said it has also noted with concern the increased customer and vehicle congestion, as working hours are coinciding with shop closing times, thereby exposing the public to transportation and access to food crisis.

Mr Mutashu said CZR was encouraged by the uptake of vaccination by business with most formal retailers and wholesale value chain players reporting 100 percent vaccination.

“Through collaborative action between the Government, retail industry and citizens the return to normalcy is achievable,” he said.

Meanwhile, despite the rising numbers of vaccinated people and the falling infection and death rates in the third wave, Cabinet stressed that Covid-19 was still a threat and urged everyone to continue adhering to World Health Organisation protocols and national guidelines to totally contain the wave and avoid the possibility of a fourth wave.

The country has already acquired 13 million doses out of the 20 million required in order to achieve the initial target of 10 million vaccinated people, about two thirds of the population and the initial estimate for herd immunity. – @okazunga