Calvin Manika in Victoria Falls
VICTORIA FALLS residents have declared that the city is now open for business adding that there is no need for investors and tourists to be afraid as the city has achieved herd immunity with over 77 percent of the population having received their second Covid-19 doses.
A mass vaccination programme was launched in the town last month, where President Mnangagwa received his first jab as part of efforts to revive the tourism sector.
Victoria Falls has an estimated eligible population of 25 000. Government deliberately supplied the town with 60 000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine to cater for all residents as part of a plan to ensure a safe return to business.
Speaking to this publication Victoria Falls Residents Association secretary general Nguquko Tshili said the people around the resort city are safe and heeded the government message on vaccination.
“People are going out in full force to show the world that we have taken the vaccine and we are ready for business,” said Tshili.
A visit to the city by The Zambezi Times showed that despite having reached herd immunity people are still going to designated Covid-19 centers for vaccination. Around the city people seem to be following the World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols on wearing face masks and sanitisation.
Tshili applauded the residents for their cooperation and efforts to make the city of Victoria Falls attractive and a tourist destination of choice.
“Our message to residents is to all those who took the jab, thank you. It will go a long way for tourists to come to Victoria Falls. The city of Victoria Falls has gone all the way to take the vaccine so as to lighten the city because it has been a ghost town for too long because of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Tshili.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland North province has recorded 18 deaths since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
