Covid-19 watch: Two Matabeleland schools placed un...

Covid-19 watch: Two Matabeleland schools placed under full lockdown

Zim Now Writer

Government has placed two Matabeleland boarding high schools under full lockdown as they are the epicentres of active Covid-19 cases in the country.

“We are not allowing visitors to Fatima and George Silundika because of the cases. Currently we have enhanced our Standard Operating Procedures in order to curb the spread of the virus,” said director of communication and advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Mr Taungana Ndoro.

Government announced last week that Covid-19 is still a cause for concern and that the two schools had almost half the recorded active cases.

“Out of the 252 new cases, 130 were from Fatima and 33 from George Silundika Secondary schools, in Matabeleland North Province. Health teams are on the ground and the situation is under control. The slight increase is an indication that the country needs to remain vigilant,” said Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa in her post-Cabinet meeting briefing.

The two schools have since been turned into isolation centres as well as being put under lockdown in a move to contain the disease.

Mr Ndoro urged all schools to stick to laid down guidelines as they carry out their operations.

“Generally, the national Covid-19 protocols still apply. Of course, we now have Annual General Meetings which are face-to-face but these should be done under the guidelines of the national Covid-19 protocols,” he said.

Although it has experienced a relatively low fatality rate, and active cases are few, government remains on high alert and is pushing the vaccination drive in schools and communities.