President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the Coronavirus pandemic as a national disaster. This is despite the fact that the Southern African country  has not recorded any case yet of the virus. The President said the pronouncement could help the government mobilize resources.

Mnangagwa also cancelled Independence Day celebrations and international sporting events to curb spread of COVID-19.

“The government has postponed the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), all previously scheduled national independence celebrations and international sporting events have been put on hold until the coronavirus threat dissipates,” Mnangagwa said.

Zimbabwe has been in economic crisis which have led to mass unemployment and currency devaluation for the past two decades.