The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has dragged government to court over perceived illegalities contained in various Statutory Instruments (SIs) outlining Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

The federation questioned why SI 103/2020 which makes screening and testing mandatory has to remain in force even after expiry of the national lockdown.

It is argued that the use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) in Zimbabwe contradicts the World Health Organisation guidelines which state that the method can only be used in research settings and not be extended for any other setting including clinical decision making, until evidence for supporting use of specific indications is available.

ZCTU also criticised sections 11 (F) 7 of SI 99 of 20 as amended by SI 102 of 20 and 7 (A) 9 SI 103 of 20 which empower an enforcement officer to access any land or premises where exempted persons are present or employed and demand documentary proof of RDT or other tests carried out saying it is a violation of the right to privacy which forbids disclosure of one's health status.

... Section 4(h) of the Public Health (Covid19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020, Statutory 83 of 2020, as amended, makes it mandatory for every individual who is permitted to leave his or her home to be in any public space to wear a face mask, continuously whilst in a public place, exposing them to Hypercapnia and risk of respiratory failure, pneumonia, or lung cancer," ZCTU added.

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