By 
Government has relaxed curfew hours from 8pm to 10pm for the convenience of travellers, and also resolved to open the country’s borders in phases beginning with private passenger vehicles and pedestrians from December 1, 2020, while assessments are undertaken regarding public transport.
The Southern African Country’s borders with Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia have been closed for passenger traffic since the end of March.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said border posts that fall into the first phase are Beitbridge, Plumtree, Victoria Falls, Chirundu, Nyamapanda and Forbes.
“The borders will open first to private passenger vehicles and pedestrian traffic as from December 1, 2020, while further assessment is being undertaken with regard to preparations for handling public passenger transport,”
. “Cabinet wishes to inform the public that border operating hours are being fixed between 0600 and 1800 hours until further assessment of the situation. Curfew hours are being extended beyond the current 2000 hours to 2200 hours for the convenience of those who are cleared late at ports of entry,” Minister Mutsvangwa said.
The extension of curfew hours takes effect after gazetting.
This development comes after the Department of Immigration recently advised Government to consider reopening land borders for passenger traffic in phases, particularly at Beitbridge Border Post where 500 000 people crossed per month in both directions before the national lockdown began on March 30.
Between 13 000 and 15 000 people are passing through Beitbridge Border Post each day from SADC countries, a situation that needs examination to guarantee safe movement of travellers and within health protocols against the spread of Covid-19.
Zimbabwe has been recording a steady decline in Covid-19 cases in the past two months, which now average below 30 a day
As of October 27, the country had recorded a cumulative 8,315 Covid-19 cases with 7 804 recoveries and 242 deaths.
On October 1, Zimbabwe allowed international flights to resume as it gradually reopened its tourism sector.
Domestic flights were allowed to resume on September 10.
According to a government directive, international travellers are required to produce certificates showing that they tested negative for Covid-19 at least 48 hours prior to their trip.
The government has re-opened tourism facilities such as national parks and lifted a ban on intercity travel.
Zimbabwe receives an average of two million tourists a year, but the number is expected to go down significantly this year due to the Covid-19 induced travel restrictions globally.
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