The government will now require that all its workers be vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a circular issued by the Public Service Commission (PCS) on Monday.
“All civil servants are considered to be front line workers as indicated by the health authorities. All heads of ministries are therefore directed to ensure that all civil servants under their jurisdiction are vaccinated,” reads a circular signed by PSC secretary Jonathan Wutawunashe and seen by PHILA.
Only workers with proof of vaccination will be allowed to board public service buses, Wutawunashe added.
The PSC also ordered a further reduction in staffing levels for all ministries, except health and agriculture, from the current 40% to 10%, as the government steps up its fight to contain COVID-19 infections. Staff will be rotated to ensure that no one exceeds 21 days away from their work station.
Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 infections and a corresponding spike in deaths, although the curve seems to be turning downwards from the July 14 peak of 3110 cases to 2113 on Monday.
newZWire/PHILA
