The government extended the opening hours of restaurants from 1830 hours closing time to 2000 hours closing as Zimbabwe goes towards the December festive holiday season.
Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, explaining the government’s decision at a media briefing in Harare yesterday said the government noted the need to promote business activities in the tourism sector, especially given the anticipated increase of tourists and returning citizens as the country’s borders re-open.
“Restaurant operators are called upon to strictly observe these hours of operation, ensure COVID-19 prevention protocols and guidelines are observed, which will be strictly enforced,” Mutsvangwa said.
“Similarly, those patronising the restaurants should ensure that they adhere to curfew hours.”
Extending the opening hours of restaurants is part of Zimbabwe’s process to reopen the economy after a lockdown that was enforced since March 2020.
Part of the reopening also includes the reopened borders for individuals yesterday.
Schools will remain open only if they adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures according to Mutsvangwa
“On the number of people allowed at gatherings, Cabinet notes that the different numbers specified for various types of gatherings has caused general confusion and violations of restrictions. Accordingly, henceforth, the number of people permitted at any gathering is restricted to 100, irrespective of what the gathering is being convened for,” she said.
Zimbabwe had recorded a cumulative 9 714 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 8 470 recoveries, and 275 deaths as at 27 November 2020.
“Cabinet takes this opportunity to call upon all citizens to strictly adhere to COVID-19 protective and preventative guidelines, protocols and measures in order to arrest the surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases,” Mutsvangwa said.
