Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa
TRAVELLERS coming into Zimbabwe who are showing Covid-19 symptoms will be subjected to a non-negotiable US$60 test, while meter taxis have also been authorised to get back on the road as Zimbabwe continues to open up its economy.
In a post cabinet meeting briefing Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said that in addition to the tests, there would be greater enforcement of Covid-19 preventive measures like the wearing of masks.
This rule would apply to all travellers, irrespective of whether they have Covid-19 test certificates before they came to Zimbabwe.
The move is meant to curb the spread of the virus through imported cases.
Ports of entry are expected to open to the general public on 1 October after government eased Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
International flights are expected to resume on Thursday (October 1). Metered taxis have also been given the green light to resume to facilitate the easy movement of tourists.
“Cabinet wishes to reassure the public that the resumption of international flights and the imminent re-opening of Victoria Falls International Airport on 1 October 2020 is well on course and that the assessments of other major airports have been completed,” read the post-Cabinet meeting briefing statement on Tuesday.
“As a measure to guarantee the safety of travellers, Cabinet further resolved that in line with Statutory Instrument 216(5) Section 8, which requires travellers showing Covid-19 symptoms, whether or not they have a Covid-19-free certificate, to be tested, (and) a nominal fee of US$60 be levied on travellers tested at ports of entry, and that the proceeds be used to replenish laboratory commodities.
Metered taxi operations have been allowed to resume services to allow for the movement of tourists and citizens who are unable to use public transport.”
She said resumption of international flights and reopening of airports was on course with assessment of major airports having been completed.
“Cabinet wishes to reassure the public that the resumption of international flights and the imminent re-opening of Victoria Falls International Airport on 1 October 2020, is well on course and that the assessments of other major airports has been completed.”
