Zimbabwe has become the latest country to scrap the mandatory wearing of face masks as a COVID-19 preventive measure.
But the new measures only apply to those who have been fully vaccinated against the pandemic, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said at a post-Cabinet briefing today.
“Those who have received three doses of the WHO recommended vaccines are exempted from the mandatory wearing of face masks in outdoor public places but should however wear masks in indoor public places and on public transport,” Mutsvangwa said.
“Those fully vaccinated should carry their cards all the time.”
Mutsvangwa said authorities had noted a decline in cases, hospitalizations and reported deaths and concluded that a limited fifth wave was dissipating.
An estimated 4.7 million people, about 31.6% of the country’s 15 million population, have been fully vaccinated.
The country has recorded 256 000 infections and 5588 COVID-19-related deaths since the pandemic began.
South Africa, which has recorded the most coronavirus cases and deaths on the African continent, scrapped the mandatory wearing of face masks in June.
