Worries and concerns have continued to grow across Zimbabwe as the numbers of daily COVID-19 cases and deaths are still on the rise.
The Beta and Delta variants of the coronavirus are driving the third wave of the pandemic in Zimbabwe. The number of daily infections and deaths has continued to increase since last month.
While the vaccination campaigns remain apparent, the country has reportedly yet to reach its daily target. This has, then, led the nation’s leaders to make new mandates in an effort to bring the situation back in control.
Reuters said that the cabinet recently announced the new orders from the government. These include the mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for all civil servants.
Decongesting the public, private sector workplaces
On Tuesday, The information minister of Zimbabwe told reporters that the government “was concerned” about the COVID-19 situation in the country. In light of this, the cabinet approved the “decongesting of both public and private sector workplaces.”
As noted, the government has reduced its workforce to 25 percent. Only 10 percent of the workers will report for duty, while the rest will work from home.
Alongside this order, the leaders have decided to make the COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all civil servants. Refusing to follow the mandate will lead to a “no pay” situation. Moreover, COVID-19 insurance will not be applicable to those who will fall ill after refusing the vaccines.
Resistance to the new vaccination mandate
The latest vaccination mandates in Zimbabwe have since stirred talks among government worker groups. One of the largest organizations has even voiced its resistance to compulsory vaccinations, according to VOA News.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has stated that the mandate “must be defied,” adding that it should be voluntary. Group leader Robson Shereni has also emphasized that “no worker should be forced to be vaccinated.”
Instead of making it compulsory, the group reportedly argued that the government should put more effort into “availing information.” This is what they should focus on, as it should be the priority, Shereni added.
COVID-19 situation in Zimbabwe
The country had had two-digit daily COVID-19 cases earlier this year until last month. By the start of June, the infections rose to hundreds and reached thousands a few weeks after.
As this dynamic continues in Zimbabwe, many people are now rushing to get the COVID-19 jabs. But, despite this, the country remains one of the nations with the lowest vaccination rate. Only 4.4 percent of its total population have completed their vaccines.
Images courtesy of Al Jazeera English/YouTube