With many nationals still skeptical about getting vaccinated against the Covid 19 pandemic ,Zimbabwe has given a go ahead for bars to reopen for the first time in more than a year to the vaccinated members of its population.
Bars were closed in Zimbabwe in March, 2020 as part of the measures taken by the government to curb the spread of Covid 19.
Despite pleas by owners to have the government ease restrictions, the latter party paid a deaf ear.
Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the decision to open pubs and nightclubs was out of concern that the continued closure of licensed bars and night clubs had not only caused a loss of income and unemployment but also resulted in the mushrooming of illegal outlets.
“Cabinet therefore directed that all licensed bars be fully opened to fully vaccinated clients. Bar owners are also required to ensure that the world health organization and national protocols and guidelines are enforced,” she noted.
She further marked that those that fail to follow guidelines risk having their establishments closed. Despite the bars being opened and the relaxation of the Covid-19 lockdown, bars in Zimbabwe are still expected to respect curfew hours.
In a bid to speed up the Covid vaccination in the country, Uganda Breweries Limited in partnership with Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) and the Ministry of Health launched a rejuvenated COVID-19 vaccination drive that will increase the number of vaccination points in the Kampala Metropolitan Area for more people to get access to the available vaccines.