BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
The Health and Child Care ministry has stopped contact tracing at homes in Victoria Falls due to the overwhelming number of new infections in the third wave of the pandemic sweeping across the country.
Fungai Musinami, Hwange district medical officer, in an update on the Covid-19 outbreak in the resort city said the Victoria Falls Rapid Response Team (RRT) was no long able to follow up on people that test positive at their homes.
“Given the number of cases and the contacts that need follow up, it is no longer practical or efficient for our RRT to visit and test people at home,” Musinami said.
She said if anyone falls ill or had been in contact with someone, who recently tested positive to Covid-19, they should immediately seek medical attention.
“To avoid delays in getting correct treatment, if you have symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19, please put on your mask and go to your nearest health facility for testing,” Musinami said.
“Please do not delay getting a test; early treatment is very important.”
Victoria Falls Hospital, Chinotimba Clinic, Truck Stop Wellness Clinic and Beat Aids Clinic, an isolation Centre in Mkhosana high density suburb are the designated facilities for Covid-19 cases.
They also offer free testing.
“If you are self-isolating at home and your condition changes or you feel more unwell, please call the hotline on 0782076918,” Musinami said.
She said Victoria Falls Hospital, which is the only facility administering Covid-19 vaccines in the city was giving first and second doses.
“Remember a single dose of the vaccine is not effective so make sure you get both doses of the vaccine,” Musinami added.
“Our current vaccination statistics are as follows:
“As of Monday, Hwange district had 1 988 cumulative cases, 545 active cases, 25 deaths and 1 418 discharged cases.
“Of the 545 active cases, 166 were derived from Victoria Falls urban.
District total for first dose stood at 47 981 and 29 137 for the second dose 29137.
“If you missed your appointment for the second dose please come to the hospital and get your second dose so that you are fully vaccinated.
“Let’s continue to mask up, sanitize and hand wash, and maintain physical distance.
“Avoid gatherings and unless you really have to go out, do stay home.”