More than 105,000 people have been arrested in Zimbabwe since March for violating regulations aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus, police say.
Around 1,000 were arrested in the last two days for "unnecessary movement" or for not wearing face masks, they add.
Restrictions have been eased slightly in the country, where more than 1,500 infections have been confirmed.
Critics accuse the government of using the measures to target the opposition and arrest activists, which it denies.
Opposition and civil society groups are mobilising for nationwide protests on 31 July to demand that President Emmerson Mnangagwa step down.
Under current regulations, all Zimbabweans returning from abroad are required to remain in quarantine for three weeks at a government-approved facility. According to police, a total of 276 people had fled quarantine centres, including some who had tested positive.
Almost 30 of them had been arrested, and would be taken to court for exposing their families and communities to the virus, police added. They included two men who had infected seven members of a family, state television reported.
Police say they intend to step up efforts to enforce regulations arguing that many people have become complacent.
Drinking dens had opened and "beer-drinking binges" were being held in backyards, police said. "We'll be arresting all these violators," spokesman Paul Nyathi was quoted by state television as saying.
Zimbabwe's lockdown measures to combat the spread of coronavirus have worsened the country's economic and political crisis. The government expects the economy to shrink by 4.5% this year while annual inflation surged to 785% in June.
There are calls for more protests against President Mnangagwa, who appears increasingly intolerant of criticism, BBC World Service Africa regional editor Will Ross reports.
If people take to the streets there are bound to be many more arrests, our editor adds.
Latest Stories
-
Let’s prioritize research quality in higher education institutions for industrial growth-Prof. Nathaniel Boso
4 hours -
Herman Suede is set to release ‘How Dare You’ on April 24
8 hours -
Heal KATH: Kuapa Kokoo, Association of Garages donate 120k to support project
8 hours -
KNUST signs MOU with Valco Trust Fund, Bekwai Municipal Hospital to build student hostel
8 hours -
The influence Ronaldo has on people, Cadman Yamoah will have same on the next generation – Coach Goodwin
9 hours -
Gender Advocate Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee Wins prestigious Merck Foundation Awards
10 hours -
South Africa bursary scandal suspects granted bail
10 hours -
Ecobank successfully repays $500m Eurobond due April 18
10 hours -
Re: Doe Adjaho, Torgbui Samlafo IV, call for Unity among Paramountcies in Anlo
10 hours -
Extortion and kidnap – a deadly journey across Mexico into the US
10 hours -
Rihanna says fashion has helped her personal ‘rediscovery’ after having children
11 hours -
Development Bank Ghana targets GH¢1bn funding for commercial banks in 2024
11 hours -
Shatta Movement apologises to Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled after backlash
12 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi writes: Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project; A railway line to nowhere
12 hours -
Bright Simons: Is the World Bank saving or harming Ghana?
12 hours