First Time In History : Independence Day Is Not Being Celebrated

Coronavirus has affected all parts of the world and the economy.

2020 marks the first year in history where independence day is not being celebrated.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the coronavirus pandemic a Zimbabwean national disaster in a live broadcast of the State Of The Nation Address at the State House.

As a result, he has suspended all national events and all public gatherings during the speech today. 

“Government has decided to postpone, curtail or cancel public events, gatherings and activities,” he said.

The president said all activities will resume once the Government is satisfied that the country is no longer at risk.

“We must join hands working with the rest of the world on fighting this virus even though it has not yet crossed our borders. We must have a national response plan. Humanity is at risk and stands at hazardous crossroads,” said President Mnangagwa.

Church and wedding gatherings of more than 100 people have been banned for the next 60 days in an effort to combat the spread of the virus. The following measures have also been put in place:

*The Government is creating isolation centres where suspected cases will be investigated
*The government is creating a special fund to mobilise funds to fight the pandemic
*Weekly reports to be made to cabinet from the Disaster Management team led by the Ministry of Health

However, schools will remain open until they close for the April holidays and opening dates will be released in due course.