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Curfew hours reduced in Zimbabwe as business hours extended

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A policeman crosses an empty street in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare [Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters]
Zimbabwe has shortened an overnight curfew imposed to combat the coronavirus pandemic and extended business hours despite rising cases, the government said after a weekly cabinet meeting.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa last month announced a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, but according to  Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, this had left commuters stranded without transport.

The overnight curfew will now start at 8 p.m., while business hours will be extended to 4.30 p.m from 3 p.m.

Officials fear a wholesale removal of restrictions on movement would see a spike in infections and overwhelm a health sector that is collapsing due to strikes by workers and lack of medicines and protective clothing.

Zimbabwe has recorded 5,308 cases and 135 deaths.

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