Only Visitors with Symptoms Must Pay for Test
The Claim
Everyone arriving in Zimbabwe must pay for a COVID-19 test.
News posted on
Emerging story
On Tuesday, September 29, the Zimbabwe government announced that it would charge $60 U.S. dollars for a COVID-19 test for any visitor that arrives in the country showing symptoms of coronavirus. Social media posts immediately suggested that all visitors will now have to pay a $60 fee for the test.
Misbar’s Analysis
According to a news source in Zimbabwe, Pindula News, not all visitors arriving to Zimbabwe will need to pay $60 for a COVID-19 test. Only those exhibiting symptoms will be tested. In a statement released by Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa she said:
“As a measure to guarantee the safety of travellers, Cabinet further resolved that in line with Statutory Instrument 216(5) Section 8, which requires travellers showing Covid-19 symptoms, whether or not they have a COVID-19-free certificate to be tested, a nominal fee of US $60 be levied on travellers tested at ports of entry, and that the proceeds be used to replenish laboratory commodities.”
According to the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe has 8,010 confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and 230 deaths. The Southern African nation suspended flights and shut its borders in March as it sought to curb the spread of the coronavirus. According to the United Kingdom government, to enter Zimbabwe you must possess a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than 48 hours before your journey. If you do not have a negative test result, or if you exhibit COVID-19 like symptoms on arrival, you will be detained at a holding facility where you will be required to pay US $60.00 for a test. If your test is negative, you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days at home. If your test is positive, you will be required to enter isolation in a state facility for a period of 14 days.
The claims on social media are false. Only if you are showing COVID-19 symptoms will you be asked to pay $60 for a test.
