COVID-19 Indian Variant Lands In Zim: Govt

GOVERNMENT says a genomic sequencing test on the returnee from India who stayed Kwekwe tested positive of the Indian Variant codenamed B.1.717.

The dreaded Indian Variant had a daily death toll of over 4 000 people and 400 000 daily cases.

“1. Genomic sequencing test was carried out on samples collected from a reported focalized outbreak in Kwekwe which was linked to a traveller from India on the 29th of April 2021, a high risk Covid 19 transmission area.

“1.1. The test conducted revealed that

a. the B.1.617 variants predominantly from the Republic of India was detected at the focalized outbreak in Kwekwe

b. The nation is therefore advised that this variant B.1. 617 is now in Zimbabwe,” said Zim abwe’s Vice President and Health Minister Retired General Dr Constantine Chiwenga in a statement.

Giving the travel advisory regarding India, the Vice President and Health Minister said people traveling from or transiting from India will be subject to mandatory quarantine at a designated quarantine centre and at their own cost

“These travellers will be subjected to a Covid 19 test on arrival despite the status of their travelling certificate,” he said.

He added, “Furthermore, the Ministry would like to advise that everyone must abide by the following Covid 19 regulations;a. Maintain social distancing at all timesb. Continue to use face masks at all timesc. Continue with regular handwashing and use of hand sanitizersd. Desist from unnecessary travel outside own householde. Take the Covid 19 vaccine from the nearest health centre in your area which is providing the vaccine4. Travellers coming into the country from other countries should present with a Covid 19 PCR test done not more than 48 hours from the time of departure, failure of which this will be done on arrival on one`s expense.

Travellers will be quarantined for 10days from date of arrival.”