By A Correspondent- The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obadiah Moyo, last week told a media briefing that 82 people were being monitored in Zimbabwe after entering the country from affected areas.
Highlanders striker Prince Dube is among 82 Zimbabweans placed under surveillance for the deadly Coronavirus whose death toll in China now stands at more than 300 with more than 14 000 infections confirmed. They however have all tested negative. Dube has been on trial with a Chinese second-tier club Shaanxi Chang’an Athletic, which is based in Xi’an, about 785km from Wuhan, the epicentre of the deadly virus.
He was still in China when the outbreak started and returned to Zimbabwe on January 21. Medical doctors that spoke to Chronicle on condition of anonymity, said the 22-year-old starlet has been on the surveillance radar since landing from China. He is, however, showing no symptoms of the virus.
“He is on 14-day round-the-clock surveillance. Everyone is on high alert but so far nothing serious has been detected. He is also aware of this and is taking all necessary precautions which is making everyone’s concerns less stressful,” said the doctor.
“Like what has been stressed by authorities, no one should be worried about this procedure and I want to emphasise that no Coronavirus has been detected in Zimbabwe and we remain on high alert.”
Bulawayo City Council director of health services Dr Edwin Sibanda confirmed that Dube is under surveillance for Coronavirus. He, however, could not give detailed information, saying he was out of town. “I can confirm that Highlanders’ striker, Prince Dube, who was recently in China, is under surveillance for Coronavirus. I don’t have much details as I am out of town,” he said.
Health authorities at Zimbabwe’s ports of entry have moved to reduce the possible spread of the deadly Coronavirus by screening visitors and monitoring threats. Last week, Dr Moyo urged Zimbabweans not to panic over the virus as necessary surveillance and precautionary measures have been put in place at all ports of entry.
He said although no case has been detected so far in the country, Zimbabwe was on high alert as it takes a coordinated global response. Dr Moyo said all 26 ports, eight of which are airports and 18 inland border posts, have screening facilities. He said Zimbabwe was not at risk as it does not have direct flights to China and other affected countries.
Meanwhile, the number of suspected cases of Coronavirus recorded in neighbouring Botswana has risen to five. Zimbabwe and Botswana share a common border and there is a lot of movement of travellers between the two countries.
In a statement, Botswana’s Ministry of Health and Wellness said the five suspected patients of Coronavirus who presented flu-like symptoms arrived in the country through Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SKIA).
The first case was registered last Thursday at SKIA.
-Statemedia