By Lloyd Takawira
Following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic at some boarding schools in the country, government has banned churches from holding services at schools.
Speaking to state media , Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communication and advocacy Mr Taungana Ndoro said that churces have been barred from operating at schools as a measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “Churches have been banned from using classrooms or school premises for conducting church services in line with measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move is meant to protect pupils and teachers.”
However , a spike in covid-19 mostly at schools has neccesitated the move to ban churches from operating at schools.
Last week , addressing a post-cabinet media briefing, Information Minister said 145 students at a boarding school in Manicaland Province and another 91 learners at a boarding school in Matabeleland South Province tested positive to the virus last week.
Mutsvangwa said due to the threat of the third wave of the pandemic, Cabinet had deferred the reopening of bars and nightclubs until further notice.
She also said police had been directed to increase surveillance on public transporters following an increase in the flouting of COVID-19 prevention measures in the public transport system.
Churches mainly Pentecostals operate at schools because of lack of proper infrastructure.
A survey carried out by Bustop TV reviewed that some some churches are defying the stipulated 50 people required to gather. Some churches are even holding large gatherings in defiance of the government directive.
Health experts have been warning of a serious third wave in the country .
