The reopening of schools for examination classes in Zimbabwe has been delayed due to the rising number of localised Covid-19 infection cases, state media reported on Wednesday.

Daily newspaper The Herald reported that, recently, almost all infected people were those returning to the country and these infections were discovered in quarantine centres. 

However, the number of internal infections is now surpassing imported infections, as revealed in many recent daily reports.

Following the increase in local infection, the cabinet decided to postpone the reopening of schools, which had been scheduled for July 28. 

Other measures to control the spread of the coronavirus include the postponement of the further reopening of economic sectors, localised lockdowns in hot spots and more testing in areas where infections are rising.

On Tuesday, 30 new Covid-19 infections cases were reported. Fourteen were returning residents and 16 were within Zimbabwe. Seven of these 16 were contacts of known cases. Efforts are now being made to find the sources of the other nine.

The country has so far recorded 1 064 cases of Covid-19, with 20 deaths and 343 recoveries,

Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation reported that the government will tighten the lockdown restrictions and introduce localised lockdowns.

According to the broadcaster, Bulawayo and Harare have the highest number of infections, with seven and eight deaths, respectively.

Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the government was also concerned about the contravention of lockdown regulations by some religious sects.

"Cabinet further noted with concern that some members of some religious sects have gathered in their numbers in Manicaland province for their yearly retreat, in contravention of Covid-19 regulations that prohibit gatherings of more than 50 people. This poses high risk to the spread of Covid-19. Accordingly, cabinet directed that the gathering should disperse forthwith," she said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa was expected to announce comprehensive measures to be taken to control the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.