Zimbabwe has postponed its 40th independence anniversary celebrations scheduled for April 18, as well as other public gatherings and international sporting events as part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
In an update to the nation Tuesday, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared COVID-19 a national disaster, saying the country had escalated its national response to the virus after neighboring countries in the region had reported cases.
Zimbabwe has so far not recorded any confirmed case of COVID-19.
The country's premier trade showcase, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, national independence celebrations and pending international sporting fixtures had been postponed until the threat of corona virus recedes, Mnangagwa said.
The independence celebrations were due to be held in the second largest city of Bulawayo, the first time since independence from Britain 1980 for the event to be held outside the capital Harare.
Government also suspended gatherings of more than 100 people, including those for purposes of worship and weddings for the next 60 days after which the suspension will be reviewed.