By Trevor Makonyonga
Norton town in Mashonaland West province has recorded it’s first case of Covid-19.
The case is said to be returnee but no detail has been availed yet.
A statement from the local authorities confirmed this development and said the patient was self isolating at home.
“Norton officially has its first confirmed case of COVID-19; an individual who returned to country and was quarantined before being confirmed positive by DNA PCR test. The individual was confirmed and announced by the national report of 22 May 2020 and is one of the new cases bringing our national total to 56.
“The individual is stable, with mild symptoms and is self isolated at home. The NTC Rapid Response Team (RRT) in collaboration with the Harare RRT have tested all contacts of this person and will ensure appropriate quarantine and follow up of the case and contacts. We will continue to update and inform all Norton stakeholders of the current situation and any following developments after official communication has been made through Ministry of Health and Child Care channels,” the statement reads.
The Town Council went on to advise residents to stay at home, adhere to lockdown regulations.
“We would like to advise all Norton residents to adhere to the requirements of the National Lockdown and remember the important infection prevention and control measures, namely, appropriate hand-washing practices, STAYING HOME AND AVOIDING UNNECESSARY TRAVEL, social distancing and appropriate use of masks. Norton Health Team and security details will be tightening our own local measures and ensuring strict adherence by businesses and all members of the public.
“The NTC RRT will continue to work hard to provide effective and appropriate service to our community, but the significant challenge of inadequate resources and PPE to carry out this task remains significant. We will continue to engage all businesses and well-wishers who may wish to assist NTC RRT and health department to ensure that our own services and isolation infrastructure will be able to serve appropriately.”
To date Zimbabwe has recorded 56 confirmed cases of Covid-19, 23 recoveries and 4 deaths.
