Coronavirus-free Zimbabwe declares national disaster

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a national disaster over coronavirus even as the country is yet to confirm any case.

Mr Mnangagwa has also postponed independence day celebrations scheduled for 18 April and banned all public gatherings of more than 100 people.

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) that was to take place in the south-western city of Bulawayo from 21 - 25 April has also been postponed.

The ban will affect church gatherings, weddings and sporting events for 60 days.

The president told a press briefing at his office in the capital, Harare, there will be no travel ban, but discouraged travellers from countries that have confirmed coronavirus cases from visiting Zimbabwe.

He also advised Zimbabweans against travel abroad until the pandemic is under control.