President and First Secretary of the ZANU PF Party has declared the Corona Virus COVID19 a National Disaster as the country moves towards protecting the lives of its citizenry.The virus which was first recorded in the People’s Republic of China last year has killed thousands while spreading beyond borders and continents.Speaking during a press briefing held at the State House, President Mnangagwa “My government has decided that the Corona Virus pandemic be declared a National Disaster. This allows government to mobilise resources and take necessary measures in dealing with the pandemic. With immediate effect and for a unified and coordinated effort, I have directed that our National Disaster Management Machinery extend its mandate and focus to dealing with the pandemic, with the Ministry of Health and Child Care as the lead agency,” Cde Mnangagwa said.“Travellers from high risk countries are encouraged to postpone their travel arrangements to Zimbabwe for the next 30 days starting from 20th March, 2020. Equally, Zimbabweans are discouraged from travelling to, through and from high risk countries during the same period. Non-essential travel must be avoided or discouraged by all of us.”Government has decided to postpone, curtail or cancel public events, gatherings and activities. In that respect government has postponed the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair ZITF, all National Independence celebrations previously planned and pending International Sporting Fixtures until the threat of Corona Virus recedes.All these activities will resume as soon as we are satisfied that our nations is no longer at risk.Resources originally earmarked for these events will now be redirected towards strengthening our defences against Corona Virus and towards Drought Mitigation. Gatherings of more than 100 people, including those for purposes of worship and weddings stand suspended for the next 60 days after which the suspension will be reviewed.”Ministry of information "As we go into festivities knowing the huge gatherings that come with it, all gatherings such as church meetings, weddings, conferences and others are hereby being discouraged"