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Canditar Chapanduka, Chronicle Reporter

THE country is on alert following reports of new Covid-19 omicron variants that have hit neighbouring Botswana.

Tight screening, testing and processing of individuals who will be getting into the country during the festive season has been initiated at all ports of entry.

Authorities in the neighbouring country last week said scientists are still studying the new variants to determine whether or not they are deadlier than previous ones.

Botswana Health Ministry spokesperson Mr Christopher Nyanga is quoted by media in that country saying two new omicron sub-variants had been detected elsewhere but it was the first time they had been seen in that country.

“Scientists are still studying the behaviour of these sub-lineages in order to conclusively determine whether they are more transmissible, more deadly and whether or not they can evade Covid-19 vaccines,” said Mr Nyanga.

He said the discovery of the Omicron variant in South Africa and Botswana triggered a travel ban to and from southern Africa by most Western countries.

At the beginning of December, Zimbabwe launched a fresh drive to vaccinate more people against the killer virus.

National Covid-19 co-ordinator Dr Agnes Mahomva, reacting to the statement, encouraged Zimbabweans to get vaccinated and adhere to Covid-19 regulations this festive season to avoid hospitalisation.

“Government has strengthened its initiatives on vaccinations and people are therefore encouraged to get vaccinated. Measures have also been put in place at all ports of entry to screen people coming into the country for Covid-19 as many Zimbabweans in the diaspora are expected to return home for Christmas and New Year holidays,” she said.

Bulawayo provincial medical director, Dr Maphios Siamuchembu said people should accept that the virus is now a part of life hence the need for everyone above the age of 12 years to be fully vaccinated.

He said on 1 December, Bulawayo joined the ongoing vaccination blitz because Covid-19 is still a threat.
Dr Siamuchembu said the province is still recording new infections with the recent highest figure being five recorded last Friday.

He said vaccination is ongoing at all council clinics and central hospitals as well as private clinics and the service remains free.

“By end of Wednesday last week, 65,5 percent of the eligible population in Bulawayo had been vaccinated with the first dose, 55,7 percent had received their second dose and 13,5 percent had received their third dose which is a booster jab. The percentages are still low.

We wish to get to 60 percent for the second dose and if possible 80 percent for the first dose. We therefore need more people to come forward for vaccination,” said Dr Siamuchembu.

Mpilo Central Hospital Clinical Director, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya said it was important to raise awareness on the new Covid-19 variant as people seem to be relaxed and complacent.

He said people will have to start wearing masks, avoid crowds and confined places.

“With the forthcoming festive season there are many gatherings that could turnout to be super-spreader events hence should be avoided,” said Prof Ngwenya.

He said the pandemic was not over yet and had the potential to be more devastating than before.
Prof Ngwenya said the history of pandemics shows that many lives are lost towards the end of an outbreak.

“If people fail to be responsible during the festive season, the end result could be very devastating,” said Prof Ngwenya.

Binga district medical officer Dr Sibonginkosi Ncube said due to the new omicron variant there might be a need to comply with the Covid-19 prevention rules and regulations such as wearing masks, maintaining social distances and avoiding gatherings. — @NomqheleC