Coronavirus: Zimbabwean doctors call on authorities to take action

Text by: RFI Follow

Zimbabwe authorities insist that there are still no cases of coronavirus in the country. And yet the whole southern region is beginning to be affected with more than 200 cases in South Africa and three in Namibia. But the borders are porous, worry several organizations of Zimbabwean doctors.

Publicity

Calls are increasing to close the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Each week, more than 60,000 people travel between the two countries, Zimbabweans working in South Africa or traders who go to buy supplies from their neighbors.

Pretoria has implemented health checks at Beitbridge, the main border crossing point. And even announced the installation of a 40 km long fence between the two countries. Most Zimbabwean doctors doubt the absence of cases of coronavirus in the country and accuse the authorities of being in denial.

Especially since at the beginning of the week, a British tourist who returned from Victoria Falls, in the northwest of Zimbabwe, tested positive for coronavirus once in her country. Namibia also recorded its third case, a German who returned from Europe via Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean medical associations are calling on the government to test suspected cases to contain the spread of the virus. Harare admitted that it has so far only carried out around fifteen screening tests.

Newsletter With the Daily Newsletter, find the headlines directly in your mailbox

Download the app

• South Africa
• Zimbabwe
• Coronavirus
• Health and Medicine

On the same subject

Coronavirus: incidents against foreigners are increasing in Ethiopia

African football players mobilize against Coronavirus

Coronavirus: UK orders closure of certain public places