The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) has cancelled all planned Census mapping training programs scheduled for 20th to 25th July 2020 after some of its employees contracted the Covid-19 virus at a Public Service staff bus.

The office ordered all its members of staff to stop reporting for duty with immediate effect following the incidence of COVID 19 positive cases at its Kaguvi offices and in the Public Service Commission Harare – Chitungwiza bus which ferries workers to and from work.

ZIMSTAT director-general Taguma Mahonde wrote in the memorandum:

Following the incidence of COVID 19 positive cases at Kaguvi and in the Public Service Commission Harare – Chitungwiza bus, all ZIMSTAT staff are kindly requested to stop reporting for duty with immediate effect.

We have engaged City of Harare to disinfect our offices and they are yet to respond.

In view of the above, all planned Census mapping training programs scheduled for 20th to 25th July 2020 are hereby cancelled.

Staff members will be advised when it is safe to return to work.