The government has temporarily closed Lupane and Jotsholo health centres in Matabeleland North after health workers at the two centres tested positive for Covid-19.
In a letter dated 22 January 2021, Lupane District Medical Officer (DMO), Dr George Mutizira said the health facilities would be closed for a period of 14 days.
“With reference to the above stated, it is with regret to inform you that the two above mentioned health facilities would be temporarily closed for the period of 14 days from the 22nd of January 2021 due to the following reasons,” read the letter in part.
“Ten members of staff tested positive to Covid-19 (at Lupane Rural Health Centre) and some are not feeling well with mild to moderate illness. All staff members are isolated and quarantined. We do not have any more staff to serve the clinic for the specified period.”
The DMO said one staff member tested positive for the pandemic at Jotsholo Rural Health Centre and has had contact with the rest of the staff at the institution who have since gone into quarantine.
“The District Health Executive is doing all it can with limited resources to do contract-tracing and manages the cases,” explained Dr Mutizira.
“I take this opportunity to request for your support and the stakeholders’ support. May I also request your office to inform the stakeholders about this unfortunate development.”
Addressing the country, Saturday, President Mnangagwa said the government will “spare no effort to protect our fronline staff who have served us remarkably well under very challenging conditions in these trying times.”
Mnangagwa added: They are the heroes and heroines of our Nation, and should receive priority protection so they, in turn, protect, you, me, all of us. Once we receive the vaccine – and it will be quite soon – they will be the first ones to be inoculated.”
