The number of people in Zimbabwe who have tested positive to COVID-19 has risen to seven, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said Friday night.

In an update to the nation, the ministry said the last three people to test positive had not traveled outside the country.

One person tested positive on Thursday and the other two tested positive on Friday.

“Of the cases confirmed to date, three are due to contact with an infected individual locally. Our teams are currently seized with enhanced surveillance through contact tracing by following up all known contacts of these cares.

“Therefore the ministry would like to remind everyone of the need to maintain social distancing by avoiding close contact (1 meter) with anyone who is unwell, coughing or sneezing,” the ministry said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday ordered a 21-day complete shutdown as Zimbabwe, like several others in Southern Africa, battles to contain the spread of the disease which has so far claimed one life in the country.