Zimbabwe starts 30-day lockdown regulations as infections spike

A worker disinfects a bus in Harare, Zimbabwe on Dec. 31, 2020. /Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

The Zimbabwean government plans to start 30 days of lockdown regulations following an increase of coronavirus infections during the festive season, vice president Constatino Chiwenga said late Saturday.

"Gatherings are reduced to not more than 30 people at all funerals," Chiwenga told reporters in the capital, Harare. "All other gatherings at weddings, churches, bars, bottle stores, gymnasium, restaurants are banned for 30 days. Restaurants, bottle stores and bars are closed for 30 days except for bars and restaurants serving hotel residents."

Essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, and supermarkets, with only essential staff are allowed to open.

(With input from agencies)