Zimbabwe scraps mandatory outdoor wearing of masks

By Agence de Presse Africaine Last updated Aug 17, 2022

APA-Harare The Zimbabwe government has scrapped the mandatory wearing of face masks in public outdoor places by fully vaccinated individuals, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said. “Noting the decrease in Covid-19 cases, cabinet resolved that those who have received three doses of the World Health Organisation recommended vaccines are exempted…

APA-Harare (Zimbabwe) The Zimbabwe government has scrapped the mandatory wearing of face masks in public outdoor places by fully vaccinated individuals, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said.

Addressing journalists at the end of the weekly cabinet meeting late Tuesday, Mutsvangwa said the face masks would only be mandatory while someone is in a public place indoors and on public transport.

“Noting the decrease in Covid-19 cases, cabinet resolved that those who have received three doses of the World Health Organisation recommended vaccines are exempted from mandatory wearing of face masks in outdoor public places but should however wear face masks in indoor public places and on public transport,” Mutsvangwa said.

She said by Monday close to a million individuals had received the two main vaccine shots and a booster while 3.8 million others had only received two jabs.

Zimbabwe has witnessed a decline in COVID-19 infections in recent months, with the country recording 57 cases last week compared to 105 the previous week.

JN/APA