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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau

A total of five people have died due to Covid-19 related complications in Beitbridge district in the past week, as the number of weekly new infections continue to rise.

According to the latest Ministry of Health and Child Care weekly report for Beitbridge, the area recorded 216 new cases between July 17 and July 23.

This is an increase with 60 cases from the usual average of 150 new cases, which were being recorded in the last two weeks.

“In the period July 17 to July 23, the district recorded five new local deaths and 216 new cases,” said the Ministry.

“So far, we have cumulative 1 295 Covid-19 cases and 23 local deaths.”

The Ministry said during the period under review, a total of 165 new cases were recorded in the town area, while 51 were from nine rural wards.

In addition, 12 794 people have received the first immunisation doses and another 5 897 have been covered with the second dose.

Government said it set a target to immunise 26 000 adults in Beitbridge to attain local herd immunity.

The Covid-19 cases in the town have been gradually increasing due to the high irregular migration through illegal crossing points to South Africa along the Limpopo River.

The illegal movement of people, especially those who don’t qualify to travel through the ports of entry due to current Covid-19 regulations is rife along Zimbabwe and South Africa’s border.