The Sunday News
Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
MORE than 54 percent of the eligible population in Bulawayo has received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine as the city inches towards herd immunity.
Health authorities have since called on residents not to be complacent but continue adhering to Covid-19 protocols as the threat of a fourth wave looms.
The new Covid-19 variant B.1.1.529 was last week detected in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana with the United Kingdom, and other European countries announcing suspension of direct flights from Southern African countries, including Zimbabwe.
However, Government has urged the nation not to panic, as adequate precautionary measures were in place.
Responding to questions from Sunday News, Bulawayo provincial medical director Dr Maphios Siamuchembu said, however, there was need not only for people to maintain Covid-19 protocols but to also ensure that they get vaccinated. He said it was concerning, however, that some people were still reluctant to get vaccinated.
“We are doing fairly fine in terms of vaccination numbers. Only 54 percent of the eligible population has got the first dose, whereas we need 60 percent of the total population to be fully vaccinated for herd immunity.
“So far only about 30 percent of the total population is fully vaccinated, so we still have a long way to go countrywide. It’s almost inevitable that the fourth wave will come to Bulawayo. It’s a matter of time.
Again, it is very likely that we will see an increase in the number of cases of the Covid-19. My advice is for people to get vaccinated,” said Dr Siamuchembu.
Health experts have constantly urged those yet to be vaccinated to get their shots to boost their immunity.
Vaccinated people are significantly less likely to become infected, and if infected are far more likely to escape with mild symptoms. According to figures from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, as of Friday, the country recorded 62 new cases and no deaths, with the positivity rate pegged at 2,3 percent, while active cases went down to 505.
“As at 26 November 2021, Zimbabwe had 133 836 confirmed cases, including 128 627 recoveries and 4 704 deaths.
To date, a total of 3 756 498 people have been vaccinated against Covid-19,” said the Ministry.
