Inter-city public transport will now resume under strict health guidelines following the reopening of examination classes in schools and the resumption of domestic tourism, but operators of long-distance buses need to re-register and vehicles will be rechecked.
Cabinet yesterday also approved the reopening of the Central Registry for the issuance of birth certificates, national registration and passports, but new rules and times will be in place to avoid long queues and the risk of Covid-19 infection.
Inter-city travel was suspended when the national lockdown started on March 31 to contain the spread of Covid-19 infections.
However, yesterday Cabinet approved proposals for the return of long-distance buses but under strict Covid-19 preventative guidelines informed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Despite the continued easing of restrictions, Cabinet reiterated that Zimbabwe was not out of the woods yet in its fight against the pandemic which has so far infected more than 7 000 people, killing more than 200.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa announced the latest loosening of the regulations in Harare last night after the Cabinet meeting.
“Cabinet further approved the resumption of inter-city travel to facilitate the smooth movement of examination candidates, citizens and visitors.
“Transporters who wish to ferry passengers for inter-city travel should register with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to ensure that they strictly comply with standard operating procedures for their sector which are compliant to the WHO guidelines and all Covid-19 regulations. In support of this service, the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) should also resume its services.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said following the resumption of domestic tourism, employees in the sector should comply with prescribed Covid-19 regulations.
In terms of testing in the tourism sector, only international travellers were required to provide a negative PCR Covid-19 certificate issued 48 hours before departure for Zimbabwe. -The Herald