Staying at home may seem like the obvious choice in light of the coronavirus pandemic, but for many people in Zimbabwe, it is not always the best option.
“We are already ruined. What more can coronavirus do?” Harare vendor Irene Kampira told AP News. “It’s better to get coronavirus while looking for money than to sit at home and die from hunger.”
Well-known for its extreme poverty, Zimbabwe lacks adequate food, water, electricity and health care. Residents are forced to gather at communal wells to access water and crowd markets to obtain food. This puts everyone at risk of infection but many find it preferable to the alternative.
“What is happening in Zimbabwe is very scary. It’s like we are playing cards. It’s either you win coronavirus or you win starvation.”
–Resident Tinashe Moyo
Zimbabwe announced a three-week nationwide lockdown on March 30 to prevent the spread of the virus after eight cases were reported. While many appreciate the government effort, some defy the order to get much-needed supplies.
The lockdown has since been extended by two weeks and while many are still very concerned for their survival, some remain hopeful.
Pastor Evan Mawarire told NPR that Zimbabweans have suffered enough to know how to survive this crisis.
“I think this is one of those moments that we have to dig in deep in the human spirit and find that resolve to carry on no matter what.”
–Pastor Evan Mawarire
For more information on COVID-19, contact local government websites or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
