UPDATE ON ZIMBABWE’S RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK Cabinet received an update on the country’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, which the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs presented as the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Force on the COVID-19 Outbreak. Cabinet was informed that as at 12 February 2021, Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 35 045, with 29 959 recoveries, 1 393 deaths, a case fatality rate of 4.0%, and a recovery rate of 85,5%. Indications are that 33 348 cases contracted the virus from local transmission. Active cases are now 3 693, while the cumulative number of infected Health Care Workers is 3 909, with 17 deaths. Generally, the surge in cases is coming under control. In view of the realisation that infection and death rates are still high despite a downward trend, Cabinet endorsed His Excellency the President’s decision to extend the Level Four lockdown measures for a further two weeks. The curfew will now be in force from 2000 hours to 0530 hours while business operating hours have been increased slightly, from the previous 0800-1500 hours to 0800-1700 hours. Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that results of the genomic sequencing recently conducted indicate that the type of COVID-19 virus that the nation had in 2020 has receded. There is now a 61% dominance of the new South African variant of the COVID-19 virus which spreads faster and has a higher fatality rate. Accordingly, the nation now needs to be more vigilant than before and adhere to COVID-19 prevention and control measures. Security personnel have therefore been directed to intensify monitoring and enforcement in order to enhance compliance. PROGRESS REPORT ON THE PROCUREMENT AND ROLL-OUT OF THE COVID-19 VACCINES Cabinet received a progress report on the procurement and roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines, which was presented by Honourable Vice President Chiwenga as Minister of Health and Child Care. While noting that the COVID-19 outbreak was continuing to cause suffering and deaths the world over, Cabinet reiterated its commitment to undertake a robust vaccination procurement and roll-out programme in order to achieve the desired herd immunity for at least 60% of the population. Distribution of COVID-19 vaccines will follow the existing distribution structure of routine vaccines and supplies. As stated last week, Cabinet wishes to assure the nation that the approach to the vaccine issue is based on science and continuing research. Vaccines are being sourced from manufacturers, through multiple financing arrangements. Vaccines are registered by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, in terms of Section 75 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act. A committee is implementing vaccine vigilance plans to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccine consignments are physically verified for the implementation of safety measures. Cabinet wishes to inform the public that public-private partnerships are being co-ordinated by the Ministry of Finance and Devel