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Rumbidzayi Zinyuke-Senior Health Reporter

Zimbabwe recorded 19 Covid-19 deaths on Monday, the lowest number in a month, in a development that buttresses the view that the third wave is gradually declining.

The highest daily death rate was recorded at 102 on July 27.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the seven-day rolling average of new infections had also fallen to 857 from 968 the previous day.

July was the worst month for Zimbabwe in terms of new infections and deaths as it accounted for more than a half of the cumulative figures of 116 853 cases and 3 919 deaths reported since March last year when the first case was detected.

However, despite the notable decline in new cases and deaths, Zimbabwe remains under alert Level 4 lockdown as authorities monitor the situation in neighbouring countries.

On Heroes Day, President Mnangagwa said although good progress had been made in controlling the surge in cases, Zimbabweans needed to remain vigilant.

“Allow me to thank all our brave frontline workers for their commitment and diligence in the provision of basic services during this period. 

“On our part as citizens, there is a need to remain vigilant by observing the World Health Organisation public health guidelines and protocols, including maintaining social distance, sanitising and wearing masks,” he said.

He said vaccination remains the key to beating the pandemic and urged citizens to take up the free vaccines being offered across the country.

“My Government will continue providing vaccine doses for free as we journey towards attaining herd immunity. We have broadened the vaccination inoculation centres to include private sector institutions. This should increase access and convenience to members of the public.

“Mindful of the havoc still being caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, I once again urge all Zimbabweans to display the resilient spirit we are known for by acting responsibly and safeguarding the health and well-being of not just our immediate family members, but the entire community and, ultimately, the nation at large,” said the President.

With a good vaccination rollout, Zimbabwe has so far administered 1 912 592 first dose jabs and a total of 1 061 238 second doses.

This means that 5,59 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

According to statistics from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Zimbabwe has moved two places up to rank sixth in Africa in terms of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered.

Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Tunisia are currently leading the vaccine rollout on the continent.

The country needs to inoculate 10 million people in the national vaccination exercise to reach herd immunity.