Thousands of people attend a music concert to celebrate the new year in Mbare, Harare, Friday, Jan 1, 2021.
Despite the ban, large parties were held in several Zimbabwean cities and towns.
Zimbabwe had recorded low numbers of COVID-19 infections since March last year when it imposed a lockdown that was later eased as infections slowed.
Others are still gathering for church services under trees and without practicing social distancing or wearing masks while they sing and pray.
Zimbabwe has recorded more than 17,190 cases and 418 deaths, according to figures released Wednesday by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.