MIHR COMMENDS 14 DAYS COVID19 LOCKDOWN EXTENSION AND MEASURES INSTITUTED

1. Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) commends the Government of Zimbabwe and the President for extending the Covid19 Lockdown by a further 14 days and for instituting measures of Level 2 lockdown. Specifically, MIHR commends the following measures:
   a) Lockdown extension: because the latest MoHCC Covid19 testing updates have been showing new cases and also cases of communal infections. This lockdown extension will be important to avert reckless communal infection.
   b) Mandatory wearing of masks: this is an important decision made by government as it will assist the citizens in reducing communal infections cases and also its important in the face of continued congestionin mealie-meal queues;
   c) Workplace protection measures: such as mandatory testing and wearing of masks at workplace will protect the frontline workers and all essential services workers.
   d) Continued closure of schools, colleges and universities: as this is I the principle of best interest of the child and will protect students from communal infections.
   e) The continued ban of informal sector and commuter omnibus operations: as this will ensure people stay at home and do not unnecessarily travel outside their communities.
2. MIHR therefore calls on:
   i. the citizens of Zimbabwe to adhere to the new lockdown extension regulations;
   ii. the security services to enforce these measures in a human rights friendly manner.
   iii. Employers to ensure that they adhere to the stipulated guidelines in order to protect workers’ rights,
   iv. Line Ministries of government to speedily communicate in detail simplified lockdown modalities,
   v. The government to increase testing even in rural communities.

Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) is an independent human rights watchdog that exists to enhance the protection, promotion and fulfilment of the rights and freedoms of marginalized communities and vulnerable social groups.

Sincerely
MIHR General Secretary
Mr Benedict Sibasa
Email: mihroffice@gmail.com