Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Paul Mavima has attempted to allay education stakeholders’ fears emanating from a ballooning number of coronavirus cases in schools, saying the government is on top of the situation.
Speaking in an interview before commissioning a new service delivery vehicle fleet bought by Gokwe town council over the weekend, Mavima asserted that the government will not hesitate to shut down schools if the situation threatens to spiral out of control. He said:
If there is a serious problem, the Government will not hesitate to take measures to protect pupils and their teachers because their lives come first. We have had a few worrying cases and we hope the situation remains under control.
Several schools across the country have recorded worrying numbers of COVID-19 cases at a time when Grade Seven, Ordinary and Advanced Level candidates commence examinations this week.
John Tallach High School in Ntabazinduna, Matabeleland North Province, has recorded over 100 coronavirus cases, Chinhoyi High School in Mashonaland West Province now has 88 and Mtshabezi High School in Matabeleland South Province has registered 15 cases.