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Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

THE Civil Protection Unit’s (CPU) communication cluster has embarked on a national tour with key stakeholders in the Risk Communication subcommittee to apprise them on Government’s new Surge Communication strategy to help curb the spread of Covid-19.

So far, teams have been to Masvingo, Mutare and Matabeleland South, where the cluster is also meeting with representatives of community newspapers and radios and provincial journalists.

Speaking during a meeting in Beitbridge on Friday, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services’ information officer seconded to the National Covid-19 Command Centre, Mrs Wadzanai Mupatsi, said after the tour, they will compile a report and make further recommendations to amplify the Surge Communication Strategy.

She said there was a notable information dissemination gap across the country concerning the Covid-19 management and compliance issues.

“The idea is to meet with all concerned stakeholders from grassroots level to ensure that we are all clear on what needs to be done for the country to contain this pandemic,” said Mrs Mupatsi.

“There is an increase in new cases and deaths, hence we need to act. So, we are engaging community journalists, community radio stations and sub-committees in the local districts and provinces to get their experiences and bridge the gaps.”

Mrs Mupatsi said there was need for local media practitioners and community leaders to fully unpack the legal instruments around the Covid-19 management.

She said in some areas people were disregarding regulations, especially where limited numbers are expected to attend funerals.

“In some cases people are not properly wearing or wearing masks at all while others are disregarding regulations on limited numbers on funerals due to cultural reasons.

“It is very important that we communicate fully on why some decisions have or are being made so that we carry everyone on board,” she said.

Mrs Mupatsi said more teams will visit Gweru, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls to amplify the surge communication strategy.