Zimbabweans on social media are offering money to anyone who can lead them to a hospital with a free bed and ventilator.
This as the Covid-19 second wave brings the country’s health sector to its knees in the face of a 30-day lockdown.
On Saturday, daily infections stood at 217, with six deaths. This was a huge increase from 110 daily cases the previous week.
Political fixer William Mutumanje was among many who reached out on Twitter because “all hospitals we have checked are full”. He offered to “pay any price” for assistance.
According to the ministry of health and childcare, the majority of infections are local transmissions, with only one from SA. Zimbabwean government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said: “Don’t catch the virus if you can avoid it. We are being overwhelmed and overrun by the virus.”
The MDC Alliance’s Fadzayi Mahere said: “The numbers are turning into names and those names are people we know.
“The rollout plan for the vaccine must be accelerated and funds urgently redirected to this. The government must seriously consider getting our population involved in clinical trials, particularly for the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, which is better suited to us,” she added.
On Thursday, the government outlawed all celebrations, but the public ignored it. However, when pictures from a party in high-density township Mbare on New Year’s Eve’s went viral on social media the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was forced to act.
On Saturday, police said: “Police have arrested 2,321 people for violating Covid-19 lockdown measures throughout the country on 1 January 2021. It appears members of the public are taking the Covid-19 pandemic for granted and are no longer taking precautionary measures.”
DJ Fantan, a music producer and promoter, is now on the police’s wanted list for hosting the party, which drew at least 1,000 people, according to local media estimates. So far, 52 people who attended the event have been arrested.
Vice-president Constantino Chiwenga on Saturday night announced a strict lockdown in response to the second wave.
“We have seen the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths almost double in two months,” he said, explaining the reasons behind the measure.
The restrictions are:
• Gatherings have been reduced to 30 people instead of 50.
• Adhering to Covid-19 protocols to be strictly enforced and offenders prosecuted.
• Only “essential” services remain open, from 8am to 3pm, instead of 6.30am to 10.30pm. There is also a 6pm to 6am curfew.
• Only mines, manufacturing and agriculture can operate as before.
• All formal and informal traders are suspended from operating from Tuesday for them to adhere to the curfew.
• Cross-border trading has been suspended.
• Restaurants, bottle stores and bars are banned from operating for 30 days, except restaurants in hotels.
• Land borders have been closed for exit, but are open for returning residents.
• Weddings are banned.
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