As the world continues to struggle with, as far as the spread of the deadly coronavirus is concerned, a number of countries have put in place stringent measures to restrict or limit the movement of people.
Some have instituted lockdowns, a number of them including neighbours, South Africa and Zimbabwe have extended their lockdowns with 14 more days each.
However, the extensions were met with mixed reactions with some saying the moves would injure the countries’ economies.
Others especially those who live on buying and selling, who are employed in the informal job market, questioned the decision of extending the lockdowns.
Even those in countries such as Zambia, were only restrictions have been put in place, are wondering why the restrictions are being continued.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the World Health Organisation recently advised that countries should ensure that the following criteria are met before they lift the restrictions:
1) Covid-19 transmission is controlled.
2) Their health systems have the capacity to detect, test, isolate and treat every case of Covid-19 and trace every contact of those infected.
3) Outbreak risks are minimised in special settings as health facilities and nursing homes.
4) Preventative measures against Covid-19 infection are in place in essential places that people go to such as workplaces, schools, etc.
5) Importation risks are managed.
6) Communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the “new norm”.