Zimbabwe government on Tuesday announced that it will charge for COVID-19 tests done at ports of entry from travelers who show any symptoms of the disease, reported CGTN Africa.
During a post-cabinet media briefing, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the measure is meant to allow government to replenish laboratory commodities.
Zimbabwe will resume international flights from Thursday, Oct.1, after a six-month suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic flights were resumed earlier this month.
The government has announced that all travelers to the country will be required to have PCR COVID-19 clearance certificates issued by a recognized facility within 48 hours from the date of departure in line with WHO guidelines, among other health and safety regulations.
“As a measure to guarantee the safety of travelers, Cabinet further resolved that in line with Statutory Instrument (216) (5) Section 8, which requires travelers showing COVID-19 symptoms, whether or not they have a COVID-19 free certificate to be tested, a nominal fee of 60 U.S. dollars be levied on travelers tested at ports of entry, and that the proceeds be used to replenish laboratory commodities,” Mutsvangwa said.
The information minister said metered taxi operators have been allowed to resume services for the movement of tourists and citizens. She added that security personnel will now be fully enforcing critical COVID-19 containment measures such as physical distancing and proper wearing of masks after the government has relaxed lockdown restrictions.
The government also reopened schools on Monday after being shut for over six months since the coronavirus outbreak began. The schools were shut in March to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Since the outbreak started and physical classes were closed during the lockdowns, some schools introduced online lessons to ensure that students continue to learn from home.
Zimbabwe has recorded 7,837 COVID-19 cases, 6,112 recoveries, and 228 deaths as of Tuesday.
