More Zimbabwean companies and institutions on Monday reported cases of Covid-19 infections which have seen them temporarily halting operations in a development that is expected to take a heavy toll on the economy.

Observers say the jump mainly point to a failure by the public to follow laid down regulations concerning hygiene, wearing of masks and social distancing, prompting a wildfire spread of local infections of
the disease.

As of July 26, Zimbabwe had recorded 2 512 confirmed cases of the disease which has so far killed 34 people in the country.

Local transmission accounts for 1 486 of the infections while 1 026 were imported.

On Monday, pension fund, the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (NSSA), Pick ’n Pay, Avenues Clinic and the Parliament of Zimbabwe joined the growing list of institutions that have recorded positive cases of
Covid-19.

“The results so far have revealed six positive samples amongst our
staff members,” the IBDZ said, adding it would close its office in Harare for three days to allow for disinfection.

NSSA said on employee had tested positive forcing, the closure of its Harare head office.

Two Parliamentarians tested positive, Speaker of the National Assembly
Jacob Mudenda said, while at the Avenues Clinic, at least eight staff members were said to have been infected.

A long list of firms including Econet, retailer OK Zimbabwe, Federal
Express, medical aid societies Cimas and PSMAS have already closed part of their operations after employees were affected.

Here is a list of companies and institutions that have temporarily halted operations since the lockdowns restrictions were eased  by the government to allow workers to go back to work about 8 weeks ago, after members of their stuff tested positive for COVID-19:

1. National Social Security Authority (NSSA),
2. Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ),
3. Pick’n Pay,
4. Avenues Clinic and
5. The Parliament of Zimbabwe
6. Econet,
7. OK Zimbabwe Five Avenue and Mbuya Nehanda
8. Bon Marche Mt Pleasant
9. Federal Express, medical aid societies
10. Cimas and
11. PSMAS.
12. StarAfrica Corporation

Government has tightened lockdown regulations to curtail unnecessary
citizens’ movement to reduce the spread of the disease but cases continue to spike owing largely to disregard of health regulations that have been put in place.