Mining an essential service, exempted from some Lockdown provisions

The mining industry in Zimbabwe is listed as an essential service and is exempted from some of the provisions of the recently introduced Statutory instrument 189 of 2021 of Public Heath containment and treatment order, 2021 (no 29).

Mining companies and employees are exempted in terms of SI200 of 2020 section 14 (1) B.

The SI was introduced by President Mnangagwa after the drastic increase in infections of the dreaded Covid-19 which has hit the world leading to millions of deaths globally.

In a statement by the Mines and Mining Development people employed in the mining operations remain exempted under SI189 of 2021.

The statement states Mining companies however must:-

Operate within the parameters set by World Health Organisation regarding social distancing and other public health safety measures.
Continue screening and testing staff in response to prevailing conditions.
Comply with all Covid-19 regulations.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the new lockdown measures, including a 6:30 p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew, on national television Tuesday. He said the restrictions were the result of a recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

“Commerce and industry are to open from 0800 hours to 1530 hours. Travellers from countries with alpha and delta COVID-19 variants will be quarantined and tested on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 10th day, at their own expense. Those deported back to Zimbabwe will be subject to self-quarantine or will be quarantined in identified places. Travellers with fake COVID-19 documents will attract custodial sentences,” said the President.

About Covid-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

How Covid-19 Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air, and quickly fall on floors or surfaces.

You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth.

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Most common symptoms: