Retailers in Zimbabwe have agreed in principle to freeze prices on essential goods to help consumers as the country suffers the effects of the coronavirus lockdown.

The ministry of information says the details of the agreement will be announced in due course.

Year-on-year inflation jumped to 676% in March from 540% the previous month, according to the state statistical agency. The country, which imports much of its food and raw materials, is facing a shortage of foreign currency.

Food prices have been on the rise in recent weeks, the cost of bread increased from about 20 Zimbabwe dollars ($0.06, £0.04).

The government has begun $0.55 monthly cash handouts to about a million of the most vulnerable households as part of its Covid-19 response - equivalent to less than 10 loaves of bread or a small bag of maize meal.

Coronavirus cases rose by three to 28 according to a government statement on Tuesday. Three people have died, and there have been two recoveries.Article share tools