Zimbabweans to a great extent took heed of the enhanced COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown measures announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday.
Police warned that those who wanted to connive with rogue officers to circumvent the regulations would be punished.
Although the measures were supposed to take immediate effect on Tuesday, enforcement was difficult as many people had been caught unawares.
Strict observance began Wednesday with shops opening and closing at the prescribed time of 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) and 3:30 p.m. (1330 GMT), while the curfew starting at 6:30 pm (1630 GMT) was also observed as people cleared roads and there was little vehicular traffic.
The curfew ends at 6 a.m. (0400 GMT).
There is a general feeling among many people that some rogue members of the police force are taking bribes and turning a blind eye to rule-breaking offenders, especially traffic operators, who failed to observe the set regulations.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi on Wednesday warned that transporters found contravening the government’s intercity ban would have their employees arrested and vehicles impounded.
“Any connivance by these illegal operators with members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police will be severely dealt with,” Nyathi said.
He also warned people who are holding church gatherings and all-night prayers to comply with the government’s regulations.
“The public should take note that only gatherings or funerals of 30 or fewer people are allowed. Police officers on patrol will check on compliance for the security of all,” he said.
President Mnangagwa announced the enhanced lockdown measures following a spike in COVID-19 infections.
Under the lockdown measures, which will run for two weeks pending review, commerce and industry will open from 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) to 3:30 p.m. (1330 GMT).
Industry was instructed to decongest staff to 40 percent of the workforce with the rest working from home, while intercity movements have been prohibited except for production and logistics of food and medicines.
Travelers from countries with Alpha and Delta variants will be quarantined and tested at their own expenses, and deportees will be quarantined for 10 days either at places of their choices or at other designated venues.
Ministers and parliamentarians were instructed to disseminate information on vaccination in their constituencies.
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