Valentine Makufa
Masvingo province has been recording more people turning up for the Covid-19 booster shot since government relaxed the mandatory wearing of masks on August 17 for citizens who have received at least three vaccination shots.
Masvingo Covid-19 Provincial Taskforce Spokesperson Rodgers Irimayi confirmed the increase although he did not have actual figures.
“There is actually a great increase in statistics for the third dose of Covid-19 vaccine. I think it is because people want to walk freely without wearing face masks after government excluded those who are fully vaccinated from wearing face masks in open public places. I do not have actual statistics, but there is a great increase since last week,” said Irimayi.
Nationally, the uptake of Covid-19 vaccines, particularly the third dose has risen rapidly with 17 516 people taking their jabs since Wednesday last week after the decision by Cabinet to relax the mask requirement outdoors for those fully vaccinated.
Speaking during a post cabinet briefing on August 16, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said noting the decrease in new Covid-19 infections; Cabinet resolved that those with three doses of the World Health Organization (NGOs) recommended vaccines be exempted from mandatory wearing of face masks in outdoor public places.
However, face masks will still be worn in indoor public places and on public transport.
Those with the three doses and not wearing their masks outdoors are required to carry their vaccination cards.
