THE relaxing of the tough lockdown Level Four restrictions announced by President Emmerson Munangagwa on Monday, March 1, was a result of the country’s positive response  to requirements aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 scourge.

The second wave of this deadly virus had invaded the country from mid-December with devastating effects.

In December, as people travelled during the festive period, caution had largely been thrown to the wind.

Masks were seen as a nuisance only to be displayed to keep away the police.

Sanitising and keeping of social distance, especially at gatherings,  were ignored and dismissed as avoidable inconveniences.

We warned of a more deadly second wave of this virus as it played  havoc in Europe and the US late last year.

We were not taken seriously.

When the first level four lockdown was imposed on January 5 2021, the country had recorded its highest daily total of 1 365 infections.

But the pandemic remained stubborn. 

On January 15 2021, COVID-19 claimed 49 lives — the highest recorded fatalities in one day.

On the same day, 1 112 new cases were recorded, the second highest daily total.

The President had to stick to his word: “If the economy dies, it can be brought back to life, but if a person dies we cannot resurrect him.”

Only Jesus used to do that as recorded in the Holy Bible.

When the Level Four lockdown was eased on Monday, March 1, the daily mortality had gone down considerably.

The relaxing of of the lockdown measures is meant to gradually bring life back to the ‘old’ normal.

This means  opening of the informal sector and industry (resurrecting the economy), schools, colleges and universities.

But mind you, all this entails bringing many people together.

This is exactly what Level Four lockdown restrictions were meant to mitigate against.

It is therefore imperative that, at such gatherings, laid down preventative measures like masking, sanitising, observance of safe distance and fumigation are adhered to.

Even where gatherings are limited, like at churches or funerals, adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols must be a given.

However, there was no easing of restrictions on social life.

No doubt imbibers were looking forward to the President’s address hoping that bars would be opened, allowing them the opportunity to share their favourite brews with their friends. 

They were disappointed as beerhalls remain closed.

This was rightfully so, for in bars masks  are definitely out and social distance is not respected at all, offering a perfect environment for the spreading of the virus.

As already observed during lockdowns, imbibers seem to have a way of organising illegal drinking venues.

The long outlawed shebeens seem to be sprouting once more.

Law enforcement agents should catch up with them and make sure they have a date with the law. In fact, police should have no mercy at all on all violators of the WHO protocols as spelt out in the lockdown Level Four restrictions

With the vaccine rollout now in progress, victory over the second wave appears to be in sight.

The Government should be applauded for offering those who volunteer to be vaccinated to get the jab free of charge.

Even private players, who have to procure their doses through the Government are required to give it for free.

This takes care of those bent on profiteering, even to the extent of duping people with fake doses 

We should remain resolute in observing basic WHO preventive measures despite the easing of lockdown restrictions.

We don’t want to see a third wave of COVID-19 and the inevitable return of Level Four lockdown restrictions again.