Police warn new Covid-19 regulation violators

POLICE have warned members of the public against violating the new Covid-19 lockdown regulations, which have banned public gatherings among other measures.

Vice-President and Health and Child Care Minister Constantino Chiwenga at the weekend announced the lockdown regulations, which came into effect today. Under the new regulations, all gatherings except funerals are banned. Companies have been directed to decongest their staff by 50 percent while workshops have been banned.

The new measures also stipulate that restaurants will no longer be able to sell food to sit in customers save for those appended to hotels and lodges.

Beer halls and nightclubs remain closed while bottle stores will operate from 10am to 4pm with retailers and shops operating from 8am to 6pm.

In a statement, national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said police were out in full force to ensure compliance with the Covid-19 health regulations.

"The public should take note that the police will ensure that all gatherings except funerals are banned and compliance is strictly adhered to.  Zimbabwe Republic Police advises the public that the enforcement of the revised Covid-19 lockdown measures on health and security as announced on 12 June 2021 will be done without fear or favour," he said.

"Mourners are implored to stick to the stipulated figure of 30 people and observe all Covid-19 protocols."

Ass Comm Nyathi said they will launch blitz and patrols as they continue to monitor the situation.

"We will conduct patrols and also monitor to ensure that beer halls, bars and nightclubs remain closed. Bottle store owners should strictly observe the given operational times of 10am to 4pm. In this regard, all those found drinking beer at bottle stores, inside cars and surrounding areas will be arrested," he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi also said restaurants and fast-food outlets should observe the law and ensure that they only serve take-aways as pronounced by the Government. Only hotels and lodges are allowed to serve resident customers in their bars and restaurants until 10pm every day, he explained.

Ass Comm Nyathi urged members of the public to desist from boarding pirate taxis commonly known as mushika-shika to ensure smooth maintenance of law and order in the country.

"ZRP will ensure that the curfew order previously issued by the Government is complied with. The curfew order runs from 10pm to 5.30am the following day. We will ensure that the wearing of face masks, social distancing and hand sanitising is conducted in all public places, which include tobacco auction floors, supermarkets, public transport and marketplaces," said the police spokesperson.