Zimbabwe has extended the level four COVID-19 lockdown by a further two weeks until March 1.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa noted that while the national lockdown goals were now within reach, the numbers of active cases and deaths were still high.

“Since the implementation of the current lockdown, which ended on February 15, we have witnessed a marked decrease in the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths.” He said the extension would allow the number of active cases to recede.

What does the lockdown entail?

• The closure of all non-essential services and a curfew from 20h00 to 05h30.
• No social gatherings are allowed.
• Hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets will stay open but pharmacies and supermarkets will only operate between 08h00 and 17h00.
• Intercity transport – which includes both public services and private motorists – is only allowed for essential services.  
• Restaurants, bottle stores and bars are closed. Hotel restaurants and bars may only serve overnight guests.
• Air travel to Zimbabwe remains unhindered by the new lockdown, but only returning residents and essential services – including commercial and transit cargo carriers – will be allowed to enter the country through its land borders.
• For visitors arriving by air, tourist facilities and national parks will remain open but will be bound by the adjusted curfew hours.