In a bid to cub the spread of COVID-19, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced a National lockdown which kick starts on the 30th of March for 21 days.
In the same address His Excellence indicated the need for essential services to continue operation during lockdown, for a smooth and successful lock down.
The office of the secretary for Industry and Commerce issued a statement clarifying on nature of shops to remain open and operating hours.
In response
to the COVID-19 outbreak, His Excellency, the President issued a
State of the Nation update address on the pandemic on the 27th of March 2020.
In the same address, the President indicated the need for essential services to continue operating during the lockdown as guided by Statutory Instrument 82 of 2020 Public Health, (COVID 19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (No.1) and SI 83 of 2020 Public Health, (COVID 19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order 2020.
It is therefore in line with the above that the Retail Sector has been identified as essential services and will be required to operate between 0900hrs and 1500hrs.
Despite food retail shops being open, citizens are encouraged to utilize local shops to avoid crowding in the CBD.