Bulawayo records most Covid 19 deaths
Michael Moyo
Bulawayo registered the same number of Covid 19 deaths as on the previous day but topped the Covid 19 fatalities category in Zimbabwe on Friday with 17 people declared dead. However, the country saw an overall fall in new infections at 1 834 from 2 089 on the preceding day. The number of deaths also took a nosedive, falling from 81 deaths on Thursday to 61 on Friday.
The undesirable pole position taken up by Bulawayo in terms of deaths, is not the only worry for Matabeleland region as Matabeleland North and South recorded 5 deaths apiece. These sharp spikes are among the highest death tolls since the 3rd wave emerged in the two provinces. They represent a substantial rise by the two provinces’ low death standards.
Matabeleland North maintained its high infection rate prevailing in recent days with 130 cases. Bulawayo’s new infections dropped to 102 from 146 a day earlier. The fall in the number of new infections and the high number of deaths reflects a high mortality rate in the province. Matabeleland South’s new cases increased by four to 88.
Recoveries plunged to 138 in Bulawayo from 177 on Thursday. On a positive note, there was a significant rise in recoveries in Matabeleland North at 100 recoveries, up from a paltry 22 recorded on the previous day. Matabeleland South also recorded an increase to 46 recoveries from 39.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has authorised restaurants in Victoria Falls to accommodate sit-in customers. The move is predicated on the understanding that the resort city has achieved herd immunity. This comes hard on the heels of an announcement to the effect that borders are open for foreign tourists who are fully vaccinated. However, standing curfew regulations and WHO protocols remain in force.
As at 30 July 2021, Zimbabwe had 107 490 confirmed cases, including 74 562 recoveries and 3 490 deaths. To date, a total of 1 623 874 people have been vaccinated against Covid 19.
