Zimbabwe COVID-19 infections spike to 132

Coronavirus cases in Zimbabwe more than doubled to 132 over two days, the state broadcaster reported Wednesday, after 76 new infections were detected mainly among citizens returning from neighbouring South Africa and Botswana.

"Zimbabwe's COVID-19 cases have now spiked to 132," the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) reported.

"All new cases except one have been registered among returnees from South Africa and Botswana. Only one is a local transmission," it said, adding that the 76 new cases were recorded in Beitbridge, Masvingo and the capital Harare.

Zimbabwe has recorded four deaths from the respiratory infection since the first case was reported on March 20.

In southern Africa, South Africa is the most affected by the pandemic, with more than 24,000 cases and 524 deaths.

Since the end of March, landlocked Zimbabwe has been observing a coronavirus lockdown imposed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Its nearly 15 million citizens have suffered more than decade-long economic downturn under the ruling ZANU-PF party including perennial food shortages which have forced hundreds of thousands to emigrate mainly to South Africa and Botswana in search of better lives.

© 2020 AFP