ZIMBABWE is set to tighten measures aimed at combating the spread of the deadly coronavirus with an expected cities lockdown and a further ban on travels between towns and rural areas among locals.

This comes after the country recorded its first death in just two cases of the world pandemic.

Zimbabwe recorded its first coronavirus (Covid19) death after a patient who was admitted at Wilkins Hospital in Harare died on Monday morning.

Health and Child Care Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Agnes Mahomva confirmed the development on Monday afternoon.

The victim is Zororo Makamba (30) who had travelled to New York in the United States of America on February 29 and returned home on March 9 via Johannesburg.

Perhaps drawing lessons from countries which have seen the worst of the virus, President Mnangagwa insisted the country will not take any chances amid fears of a full-blown outbreak which could be tougher to control.

“We appeal to all Zimbabweans to restrict their movements,” Mnangagwa said weekend.

“We can only move for essential and critical reasons. Otherwise we recommend that our communities, both urban and rural, remain where they are and not travel.

“The spread of this pandemic is so quick and fast, so we are appealing to our people to avoid travelling. Let us keep at home and only move either to buy food or medicines.”

Government further placed a ban on all forms of public gatherings involving persons in excess of 100.

Weddings, church gatherings were also banned, coupled with the postponement of the annual Independence Day celebrations and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.

Zimbabwean schools are also set to shut down this Tuesday as some of the preemptive measures against the disease.

Since its outbreak in China December 2019, nearly 340 000 cases of the virus have been recorded worldwide with Europe emerging as the new epicentre of the disease.