Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun says China stands ready to work with Zimbabwe and provide all possible support to jointly treat patients should there be confirmed cases of coronavirus in the African nation.
The Asian ambassador said the Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe has put together a special task force for such a purpose.
“The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe is making an all-out effort to prevent the virus from spreading to Zimbabwe,” Shaochun said.
“We have informed Zimbabwean authorities in health, foreign affairs, airport, and other ports of entry of the latest developments of the epidemic and established an information-sharing mechanism with them.”
The Embassy officials have called on the associations including Chinese businesses and institutions in Zimbabwe to raise awareness of members and employees who have returned to China for holiday, asking them to protect themselves.
“Those who have returned to the most affected regions in China, such as Hubei, are advised to hold off coming back to Zimbabwe until the situation eases to reduce the risk of bringing the virus to Zimbabwe,” Shaochun said.
“Those who have returned to Zimbabwe from worst hit areas in China are requested to undergo a self-quarantine of two weeks at home, not to go to public places, offices, or any gatherings. ”
“If suspected symptoms appear, they are asked to immediately seek medical help and report to the embassy”
“Should there be confirmed cases in Zimbabwe, China stands ready to work closely with the Zimbabwean government and provide all possible support to jointly treat the patients and contain and mitigate the situation,” he went on.
Zimbabwe’s Health Minister Obadier Moyo told journalists that his ministry is on high alert to make sure the coronavirus does not find its way into the country.
“If the virus is to come to Zimbabwe, we have to catch it at the ports of entry,” he said.
