Parliament has issued a ban on unvaccinated legislators with security personnel at the entrance instructed to block any MP who shows up without proof they have been inoculated against Covid-19.

Deputy Speaker Tsitsi Gezi announced Wednesday that MPs who have not yet been vaccinated can be allowed access to the building upon production of negative Covid-19 tests results.

“I have to inform the House that the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders met and resolved that physical meetings can now resume for fully vaccinated Members and support staff.

“The production of Covid-19 PCR test certificate is mandatory for unvaccinated Members and staff.

“From 13th September 202, security personnel at the entrance have been instructed to demand vaccination certificates or valid Covid-19 PCR test certificates issued 48 hours earlier and will be valid for each week.”

The Deputy Speaker said a “maximum of 10 persons inclusive of Hon. Members, staff and invitees will be permitted to attend meetings physically in compliance with social distancing guidelines”.

She added, “In the National Assembly and Senate Chambers, the maximum number of persons allowed will be 100 and 80 respectively including support staff.  Committees are encouraged to use a hybrid of physical and virtual meetings.

“Chief Whips have to ensure compliance with the requirements of allowable Hon. Members.  Committees will determine those to attend either physically or virtually.”

Those who will not be accommodated in Committee Rooms or Chambers will participate from their hotel rooms.

Zimbabwe is keep to notch a vaccination herd immunity of 10 million citizens by end of year.

However, due to continued reluctance by citizens to show up for the free inoculation programme, government and some local firms have used the production of vaccination certificates as a condition for one to access allowances, sit for examinations or sit for a meal in a restaurant, among some of the conditions.

-Zimstar News