Zimbabwe is planning to reopen its airports after closing down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This will be a gradual reopening, with domestic flights operating first and international flights opening later.
Zimbabwe will implement a gradual reopening of airports.
‘Government is finalising on modalities for the reopening of airports to support the resumption of the tourism sector,’ Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said at a post-cabinet media briefing.
The borders have been closed since March once the country started recording an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Despite not having as many as other international countries closing, the African Union had advised countries to close their borders as early as possible to avoid big infection spikes.
So far the country has recorded 6,559 COVID-19 cases with 5,241 recoveries and 203 deaths.
The country is also planning to reopen schools for final year learners in September.
Unrest and COVID-19
Despite the push to open for tourism, Zimbabwe has also been dealing with civil unrest and harsh government clampdowns.
NGOs and Foreign Diplomats have warned that the government are using the COVID-19 lockdown to harshly punish those who speak out against them and to squash all protest action.
Zimbabwe’s difficult history has made it an unpredictable tourist destination, despite the beautiful scenery and experiences on offer. Further unrest and crackdowns by the government will only further harm tourist interest which has already taken a hit as a result of COVID.
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