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Zimbabwe Imposes Mandatory Covid-19 Jabs to Tackle Hesitancy

All Zimbabwean civil servants must now be vaccinated against Covid-19 before being allowed to work, while churches are permitted to move from 100 people at a service to half their capacity if congregants are fully vaccinated, the government has said. Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said that other social gatherings, such as weddings and funerals are still limited to 100 people, since it is difficult to enforce the need for vaccinations at such events, making further relaxation very difficult.

Meanwhile, human rights watchdogs, along with workers' unions, have said while they welcome the government's desire to get all Zimbabweans vaccinated for Covid-19, the idea of a mandate for government workers may violate their constitutional rights.

While Zimbabwe has had a smooth Covid-19 vaccination rollout, resistance among citizens has led to a low uptake. Over 4,8 million people have received a first dose, with 13,2% of the population fully vaccinated. 

Zimbabwe has recorded more than 126,817 cases of Covid-19, including 4,550 deaths and 119,216 recoveries since the start of the pandemic.

InFocus

Columbus Mavhunga / VOA

A Zimbabwean receives a Covid-19 vaccine jab at Wilkins Hospital - Zimbabwe’s main vaccination centre in Harare (file photo).

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