ZCIEA PRESS STATEMENT ON THE REVIEW OF MEASURES TOWARDS FIGHTING THE SPREAD OF NOVEL CORONA VIRUS – COVID-19
24 March 2020

Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA), do most appreciate the review by the Government yesterday on measures to curb the spread of Corona Virus in the country. Zimbabwe has recorded two cases of which one has succumbed and died. We join the whole nation in mourning the passing of our own.

Whilst we appreciate the call by Government not to close informal markets for now so as not to put survival of many informal economy workers/traders’ and their families at serious risk, we are deeply concerned about the state of preventive measures through these market places. This includes need for spraying all market places, provision of sanitizers, masks and gloves to traders at these market places. On a high note the best approach will be total lock down for a period with provision of emergency food subsidies to the traders. These are the real issues we are urgently seeking the government’s intervention and swift reaction. We are also requesting for urgent passing of information to rural and disadvantaged communities as well as setting up of equipped mobile clinics. The cost of safety masks and hand sanitizers has gone up and now beyond the reach of informal economy workers/traders and citizens, therefore, we are encouraging our government to take more actions in providing safety masks, sanitizers and regular water supply to informal economy traders in those markets.

We also appeal to all informal economy workers and traders to take caution on health and safety guidelines (according to Ministry of Health) as they sell their wares through practising good hygiene e.g. washing of hands, fruits and refraining from handshakes. This includes compliance to the government’s directive under the banner of safety first for all.

ZCIEA will continue to play its role on spreading awareness-raising through its structures on preventive and safety measures in fighting Corona virus.

Let’s make Precautions Viral. Not the Virus.

LetsBeatCoronaVirus

Wisborn Malaya

ZCIEA Secretary General