National
Zimbabwe Covid-19 daily infections hit record since pandemic began
Zimbabwe has reported its highest number of daily Covid-19 infections since the pandemic began.
A total of 4031 people tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, with five deaths recorded.
The previous highest daily number of new infections was on July 14, 2021, when 3110 people tested positive. On that day, 58 people died.
Tuesday’s 4031 infections were detected from 11 535 tests. This gave a positivity rate of 34.9 percent.
The rate means that out of every 100 of those who did get tested, 35 people were infected.
Just two weeks ago, that rate was 1.4%, a sign of the pace of the spread.
In two weeks, the seven-day rolling average for new cases has surged from 27 to 1572 on Tuesday.
All new cases reported on Tuesday were local.
Government has raised alarm over rising cases.
“Cabinet notes with concern that there has been a sharp increase in the average total number of new cases reported per day during the past two weeks,” Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said at a post-cabinet media briefing on Tuesday.
Last week, Zimbabwe confirmed its first cases of the omicron variant.
The variant is known to spread faster, but scientists say early data shows that it may cause less severe illness than previous waves.
However, officials fear infections may overwhelm hospitals, as was the case in previous waves.
Ministry of Health data shows that, as of Tuesday, there were 226 people admitted in hospitals for Covid-19 treatment, up from 23 two weeks ago.
Of these 226 in hospital, 173 had mild to moderate symptoms, 39 had severe symptoms, 13 had no symptoms, while one needed intensive care.
However, the data does not show how many of those are vaccinated.
The country has fully vaccinated 2.91 million citizens so far, but is pushing to reach more people amid vaccine hesitancy and distribution problems.
Government is setting up vaccination sites at the main intra and inter-city bus terminals to ensure that those not vaccinated can receive shots of vaccine voluntarily before boarding.
Eventually, Mutsvangwa told reporters, only vaccinated people would be allowed to use public transport.
“Please note that there will be a time when people will not be allowed to board public transport without a valid vaccination card,” Mutsvangwa said.
Government has already made vaccines mandatory for its workers.
The Ministry of Health is also stepping up vaccinations for 16 to 17-year-olds. –PHILA
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
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Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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