HARARE – The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stark warning to countries, including Zimbabwe, about a surge in Covid-19 cases among pilgrims returning from the Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The organisation has advised nations to bolster their surveillance and quarantine protocols to mitigate the spread of the virus.
The warning, contained in a letter obtained by My Zimbabwe News, comes amidst reports of rising Covid-19 cases among pilgrims returning from the recent Hajj. Senegal, which sent approximately 12,900 pilgrims, has already recorded 78 cases of the virus among returning pilgrims at Blaise Diagne International Airport. This situation underscores the urgency of the WHO’s recommendations.
“WHO has received a reported rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in some countries among pilgrims returning from the recent Hajj in Mecca,” reads the statement from WHO. “Countries with returning pilgrims carry a risk of a rise in new Covid-19 infections. All countries concerned have been advised to heighten their readiness measures in case of a surge in cases.”
In response to these developments, WHO has recommended that countries increase their surveillance and quarantine protocols. Specifically, the letter suggests heightened Covid-19 screening at points of entry to identify symptomatic individuals and advises all returnees to self-isolate for five days if asymptomatic and seven days if symptomatic.
“Heighten Covid-19 surveillance by screening at the points of entry to identify (symptomatic) infected persons,” the letter reads. “Knowing that the majority of cases may be asymptomatic and in view of limited testing advise all returnees to self-isolate for five days for those without symptoms and seven days for those with symptoms.”
The WHO also emphasised the importance of public awareness campaigns. “Develop and run appropriate messages on electronic billboards at the airports on the current situation, risk of infection, prevention, and where to seek care if sick,” the letter reads.
The WHO has also urged the Zimbabwean government to notify health facilities about the potential increase in Covid-19 cases and to maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in areas with limited testing capacity.
“Notify health facilities of the potential increase in cases and the need for a raised index of suspicion for Covid-19, especially in situations with limited testing capacity,” the letter added.
The organisation has also stressed the importance of personal protection measures, including mask-wearing, hand washing, and avoiding public gatherings.
“Emphasise personal protection by use of masks, hand washing and avoiding public gatherings through risk communication activities,” the letter reads.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which began in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, led to global lockdowns and severe travel restrictions. Most non-essential activities were halted worldwide, including in Zimbabwe, to contain the virus’s spread. The recent warning from WHO serves as a reminder that vigilance and preventive measures remain crucial in the ongoing battle against Covid-19, especially in the aftermath of large international gatherings like the Hajj.
The WHO has advised its member states to adhere to the International Health Regulations and not interfere with international travel but instead strengthen their surveillance and risk communication while preparing for care and treatment of those who may succumb to the illness.
The Zimbabwean government, along with other nations, is now tasked with implementing the WHO’s recommendations to prevent a potential surge in Covid-19 cases. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on the government’s commitment to implementing robust surveillance and quarantine protocols, as well as its ability to effectively communicate the risks to the public.
