Govt Clarifies On COVID-19 Testing US$60 Payment
30 September 2020
Spread the love

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe government spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana has clarified on the issue of the payment of $60 for COVID-19 testing at the ports of entry.

Recently, the government announced that travellers coming into the country with Covid-19 symptoms will pay a nominal fee of US$60 for testing irrespective of having a Covid-19 free certificate or not.

There was a misconception that everyone coming into the country will pay the $60, however, Mangwana clarified that it is only applicable to travellers who show COVID-19 symptoms.

Said Mangwana:

Ports of entry are expected to open to the general public on 1 October after government eased Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Addressing journalists during the 34th post Cabinet briefing in Harare, Information, Publicity and broadcasting Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa said funds realized from the testing will go towards replenishing of laboratory commodities.

“As a measure to guarantee the safety of travelers, Cabinet further resolved that in line with Statutory Instrument 216(5) Section 8, which requires travellers showing COVID-19 symptoms, whether or not they have a Covid-19-free certificate to be tested, a nominal fee of US$60 be levied on travellers tested at ports of entry,” said Mutsvangwa “and that the proceeds be used to replenish laboratory commodities Metered taxi operations have been allowed to resume services to allow for the movement of tourists and citizens who are unable to use public transport.”