By Lloyd Takawira
Learning institutions have contributed significantly to new covid-19 pandemic cases in the country, government has said.
Addressing a post cabinet briefing, Information Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said, “This week the number of cases went up to 1 669. The education sector contributed significantly to this increase.”
Mutsvangwa said that, government has activated it’s response to the new challenges in schools .
“In light of this surge in new cases in schools government has directed enhanced surveillance and contact-tracing at schools and in the surrounding communities . Empowering teachers to detect and report suspected cases; Enhancement of awareness campaigns in schools and surrounding communities; and vaccination of all eligible populations in schools and surrounding communities”.
Despite schools contributing a significant number in new Covid-19 cases government will not sanction their closure.
“Out of a total school enrolment of 4.6 million, the number of COVID-19-positive cases detected is insignificant. All cases are being well-managed in line with the Standard Guidelines for the Coordinated Prevention and Management of COVID-19 at All Learning Institutions in Zimbabwe.”
As of 20 September 2021, Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 127 938, with 120 946 recoveries and 4 567 deaths. The recovery rate stood at 95%, with 99% of cases being attributable to local transmission. Active cases stand at 2 425.
[email protected]
