Bars, nightclubs, beerhalls and betting halls have not yet been allowed to operate and should cease operations with immediate effect.

The government’s position on the operation of such establishments was reiterated by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Nqobizitha Ndlovu.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, the minister said;

It should be noted that public bars, nightclubs, beerhalls, casinos, betting shops and theatres are still not permitted to operate.

The nation is informed that gatherings are still regulated, while authorised events such as weddings and church congregations are limited to 50 and 100 persons, respectively.

It should be emphasised that where there is non-compliance to these regulations the law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to enforce the penalties prescribed.

Covid-19 regulations allow off-licence liquor outlets to open up to 6 PM and restaurants until 10 PM. However, bars and nightclubs have re-opened following the national lockdown imposed in March in defiance of the rules. 

Popular entertainment places in Harare like Jongwe Corner, Pa Fatso, Highglen and KwaMereki have been a hive of activity lately with revellers partying sometimes until the small hours of the following day in some instances.

Ndlovu urged members of the public to take all the necessary precautions to prevent a surge in COVID-19 positive cases in light of the approaching Christmas and New Year holidays.

Zimbabwe has experienced an upsurge in coronavirus cases with 90 new cases and one death reported on Tuesday. There have been calls for a second total lockdown to contain the second wave of CoVid-19 in Zimbabwe.

Chinhoyi High School (57 cases), Jonh Tallach School (184 cases) and Prince Edward School have been shut down after shocking outbreaks of the virus.