‘We were never a priority’: Zimbabwe Covid ‘hotspots’ face strict lockdown

Tighter restrictions in 12 mostly rural areas come as health service struggles to cope with third wave of infections

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Zimbabwe's government has designated 11 rural areas across three provinces Covid-19 hotspots this week after a sharp rise in cases. The measures come as the country battles to contain a third wave of coronavirus.

Mashonaland West, Masvingo and Bulawayo provinces have been put into strict localised lockdowns to contain the spread of the virus. The government had already declared hotspots in three other regions, the first in May and two others in early June.