Zimbabwe enters Covid lockdown amid fears over crowded new year parties

Panic over infection rates mixed with fear of widespread hunger as 30-day shutdown is imposed after people defy ban on gatherings

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Parties and new year celebrations that attracted thousands of revellers with little social distancing or mask wearing have triggered panic and a strict 30-day national lockdown in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare.

On New Year's Eve thousands of people gathered at Matapi, Mbare, one of Zimbabwe's oldest townships for a dancehall concert, while thousands of others held parties across the city despite a police ban.