The government of Zimbabwe yesterday issued a statement clarifying on sectors of the economy which are covered under the essential services category and what workers from those sectors need for them to be allowed to continue carrying their operations during the lockdown period. Below is the statement.
The Government would like to advise its key stakeholders in Industry and commerce sectors that, following the review and announcements of new measures on the National lockdown by the Acting President Honourable KDC Mohadi and the Vice President Honourable Dr. CDGN Chiwenga, Minister of Health and Child Welfare, the following guidance is issued;
Companies are advised to abide by the Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021 as read in conjunction with other Statutory Instruments issued previously on the COVID19 induced national lockdown.
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To curb the spread of the coronavirus, in light of the recent spikes in cases, and to ensure that Essential Services and key value chains in the economy are not interrupted, Industry and commerce is reminded to ensure that health and safety at the workplace remains a key priority for companies in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure to its employees.
Please take note of the following definitions of Essential Services for the Manufacturing and Commerce as defined in Statutory Instrument 200 of 2020.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
The Essential Services are in the manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail, commerce, tourism and hospitality industry and other sectors. Formal businesses that are in the category of manufacturers and that input to these and retailers of the manufactured goods are covered as Essential Services.
Companies in the manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail, commerce, tourism and hospitality industry are advised to make use of the Lockdown Exemption letters previously issued by Ministries of Industry and Commerce and Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry for the next seven (7) working days, during which companies should renew their exemption letters.
Regarding the Tourism and Hospital, industry, Agriculture, Mining and other sectors, the companies in these sectors should get their Exemption letters from their respective parent Ministries.
The companies should take the responsibility to comp, with the Statutory Instruments and Issue their employees with necessary documentation to travel to and from work.
In this regard, companies should give their employees individual letters which must be accompanied by the exemption letter from the respective parent Ministry. The letter should state the following:
Employee name, ID,
The point of commute so that they only travel for work,
Company line of business/products and slate how that is covered by the Statutory Instruments
Working hours, and shifts where necessary
The letter should be signed by the Chief Executive OfficettCE0) or Managing Director (MD)
Employees are encouraged to have a pocket-size sanitiser and mask up at all times. Employers are expected to assist staff with travel arrangement In order to decongest public transport
