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Omicron: Zimbabwe’s senior doctors issue warning

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Zimbabwe’s senior doctors have called for vigilance as the country braces for the fourth wave of the Covid-19 outbreak driven by the newly discovered Omicron variant.

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The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa and Botswana causing panic throughout the world.

Western countries last week banned travel from southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, citing the emergence of the variant.

On Friday, Health and Child Care deputy minister John Mangwiro said Zimbabwe had reported 50 cases of the Omicron variant.

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The Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians (ZCPHP) said citizens must strictly adhere to World Health Organisation (WHO) to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

In a press statement, ZCPHP, an association of specialist public health doctors, said the surge in cases in the past few days was a cause for concern.

ZCPHP said the trends pointed an imminent fourth wave of the Covid-19 outbreak “with a high probability of the presence of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron.”

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“All citizens to double up physical distancing, masking, and hand hygiene,” ZCPHP said, adding that such measures will require a concerted effort by every individual, household and community.

“Get vaccinated urgently against Covid-19, vaccines save lives.”

ZCPHP also urged Zimbabweans to avoid or reduce non-essential travel and visits, to minimize interactions with people from other households.

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“Avoid or minimize time spent in crowded ‘situations’ and areas, including family, funeral, religious and recreational gatherings, especially if these functions do not take place outdoors,” it said.

“If you must be in crowded places, always maintain at least one-meter physical distance and wear your mask covering your mouth and nose all the time.

“When you or your household member develop symptoms of Covid-19, isolate yourself, get tested as early as possible and seek medical care from a qualified healthcare provider as soon as possible.”

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It encouraged healthcare practitioners to increase the level of clinical suspicion/presumption of Covid-19, and look out for patients who are potentially sick with Covid-19.

“Offer immediate Covid-19 testing, isolation, treatment and care services,” the ZCPH said.

“Facilitate closer monitoring of patients having Covid-19 who are likely to suffer severe disease, especially the elderly, those with underlying medical conditions and those who are not yet vaccinated.”

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“Ensure that your own health is protected by following Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures all the time, get tested when not well or when exposed to a person with Covid-19 and seek care from other health professionals when not well.”

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Police Hunt For A Nkayi Murder Fugitive

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

A Nkayi man is reportedly on the run after allegedly assaulting a fellow villager with an unknown object on the head on New Year’s Day. 

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Police have identified the fugitive at Joinisa Tshuma from Dabe village who is being sought for a murder charge. 

“ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Joinisa Tshuma who is being sought in connection with a case of murder in which Mcebisi Moyo died on 07/01/24,” police appealed. 

“The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim on the head with an unknown object near a bush in Dabe Village, Nkayi on 01/01/24 before he fled the scene.”

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According to police, the victim sustained some head injuries and he was admitted at Nkayi District Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.

Meanwhile, Police in Machipisa are also  investigating a case of murder which occurred on Wednesday, in which a yet to be identified male adult approximately aged 30 years who was wearing a yellow t-shirt, black trousers, black gum boots and a black cap, was found lying dead with a stab wound on the back near Mapuranga Transport Service Garage in Harare. 

Police are also appealing to the public with information surrounding the incident. 

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“Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.” 

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Full ZRP Statement on Armed Robberies Raiding Elite Schools 

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As the schools open, parents and guardians are in the process of paying school fees, levies and other related school costs, for their children.

School authorities are therefore urged to deposit all monies at financial institutions to curb armed robbery cases.

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The issue of collecting cash by school authorities at schools should be reconsidered given the recent armed robbery cases.

The Police has recorded armed robbery cases in Bulawayo and Chinhoyi in which schools are being targeted.

In one of the cases, unknown suspects pounced at George Silundika High School at corner George Silundika Street and Third Avenue, Bulawayo on 06th January 2024, where they stole US$17 280.00 cash which was in a cash box.

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In another case which occurred at Lomagundi College, Chinhoyi on 09th January 2024, 12 unknown suspects attacked security guards before stealing an undisclosed amount of cash, a Mazda Tribute motor vehicle, cellphones and laptops, among other valuables.

School authorities are urged to step up security measures at schools and employ guards from reputable security service providers who constantly monitor and review deployments.

Above all, school authorities should install CCTV at points of entry and administration offices.

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The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned that some of these robbery cases are resulting from leakage of information.

Members of the public are warned that those who provide inside information to robbery syndicates will be arrested.

Police crack teams are firm on the ground and will pounce on armed robbery syndicates for the law to take its course in earnest.

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ARTUZ condemns government for opening of school amid Cholera outbreak

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the government’s decision to reopen schools due to the cholera outbreak wreaking havoc in most parts of the country, labeling the move reckless and disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers. 

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Statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care last week showed since the outbreak of cholera, Zimbabwe has recorded 15 137 suspected cholera cases, 1 759 confirmed cases, 14 578 recoveries, 67 confirmed deaths and 266 suspected deaths.

“We vehemently condemn the government’s reckless decision to open schools amidst the widespread cholera outbreak, completely disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers,” reads the statement.

“We demand that the government immediately mobilize substantial resources to ensure the safe reopening of schools because our children deserve nothing less than a secure and conducive learning environment. 

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“It is the duty of the government to provide sanitary solutions and ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

The union also called on the government to consider an upward increment of teachers’ salaries, criticizing the government’s lack of engagement with educators, particularly regarding their ongoing demand for a US$1 260 salary.

“Also, it is utterly disappointing to witness such a hasty move without even bothering to engage with the educators who have been tirelessly advocating for a just salary of US$1260.

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“The safety and welfare of our students and teachers should be the utmost priority, but it seems that the government is callously neglecting this responsibility.

“It is high time for the government to prioritize the well-being of our education system and take meaningful action to address the urgent needs of our dedicated teachers. ” 

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