HARARE – Eight Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) employees working at the Beitbridge border post tested positive for Covid-19 on December 1, just as Zimbabwe re-opened its borders to visitors for the first time since March.
ZIMRA ordered an immediate closure and disinfection of its offices as well as testing of all its staff and contacts of the eight.
With human traffic set to increase at one of Africa’s busiest inland ports, the positive tests illustrate the perils faced by border frontline staff who often work without sufficient PPEs.
ZIMRA spokesman Francis Chimanda said: “ZIMRA is very aware that due to the unique location of our offices and stations coupled with the essential nature of the services we provide, there is a need to remain vigilant in observing and practicing procedures that reduce exposure to Covid-19.
“In order to safeguard employees, clients and the public, ZIMRA continues to implement guidelines from the World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Health and Child Care in reducing the impact of the Covid-19 threat to operations and human life.
“All stakeholders at Beitbridge have had tests done as well as contact tracing and our staff continues to offer essential services under Covid-19 protocols and guidelines.”
Chimanda said all travellers importing dutiable goods must preclear and prepay before arriving at the border as it helps reduce crowding and the time spent at border posts.
ZIMRA has implored measures to curb the spread of the pandemic at border posts and stations in instances of expected or suspected exposure to COVID-19 which includes:
Chimanda said “services are as much as possible being offered to clients/agents via electronic means.”
