HARARE, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwean government on Tuesday authorized the resumption of inter-city travel and reopening of the Registrar General's Office and the Immigration Department as it further opens up the economy.

Addressing a post-cabinet media briefing, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the resumption of inter-city travel would allow the smooth movement of examination candidates, citizens and visitors.

Inter-city travel was banned in March when government introduced the COVID-19 lockdown.

"Transporters who wish to ferry passengers should register with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to ensure that they strictly comply with Standard Operating Procedures for their sector which are compliant to the World Health Organization guidelines and all COVID-19 regulations," the minister said.

She said the Central Registry Office will also resume offering services such as issuance of birth and deaths certificates, national registration documents and passports.

Cabinet also further authorized the partial reopening of the Department of Immigration to process short-term investor work and student permits as well as visas at ports of entry, she said.

Mutsvangwa said the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe will also be re-opened to allow visitors access to national museums.

The minister reiterated the need for Zimbabweans to remain vigilant as the pandemic was not yet over.

"Cabinet reiterates that despite the measures taken to further open up the economy, the threat from COVID-19 is still real and citizens should continue to religiously adhere to the COVID-19 containment measures," she said.

Zimbabwe has opened up most of its sectors including industry, commercial, aviation and tourism after months of closure due to the lockdown.

In the education sector, only examination classes have been given the nod to reopen, with the British-run Cambridge examination classes starting on Monday this week while classes for the locally run Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council will resume on Sept. 28. Enditem

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