332 COVID-19 cases with the majority of them being asymptomatic, have been reported in both primary and secondary schools in Zimbabwe since schools were reopened on 28 September.
This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa while briefing the media during a post-cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday. She said:
In the learning institutions, a total of 332 COVID-19 cases were reported and the majority of these are asymptomatic, isolated and being monitored by Rapid Response teams in the respective provinces.
Cabinet also wishes to reassure the public that the total number of infected learners and teachers out of a population of 4,5 million and 121 272 respectively, is very low.
The environment at schools will continue to be monitored as previously undertaken. We continue to urge the need for responsible reporting in this regard.
Some stakeholders in the education sector have called for the immediate closure of schools saying pupils and teachers are being made guinea pigs as coronavirus cases have spiked in recent weeks.
However, speaking over the weekend, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro said there is no chance that non-examination classes could close early unless there is an incredibly explosive rise of COVID-19 cases in schools.