Govt Preparing For The Safe Reopening Of Schools - Mutsvangwa
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The Government says it is preparing for the reopening of schools for the second term on 3 May in full compliance with COVID-19 prevention and management protocols.
The prevention and management protocols (Standard Operating Procedures) introduced by the Government in 2021 include the prohibition of hugs, handshakes and sharing of desks in schools, while break and lunchtimes are staggered to prevent crowding.
All sporting activities were also suspended and classrooms were only allowed to accommodate a maximum of 35 pupils to allow for social distancing.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, 26 April, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, said:
The nation is further being informed that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is currently preparing for the safe reopening of schools on May 3, 2022, in full compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 as well as other Influenza-like illnesses.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said:
All COVID-19 protocols for the safe reopening of schools remain in place as we anticipate the second phase of the vaccination blitz by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Parents and guardians are advised to prepare their children for returning to school next week so that we contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe National Association of School Heads president Munyaradzi Majoni said that preparations in schools for the commencement of the second term are now at an advanced stage. Said Majoni:
On our side as heads, preparations are at an advanced stage for the reopening of schools.
Before we closed, some schools had already received PPE from the Government while in other schools, parents were procuring PPE for their children.Schools are doing a lot to make sure that we have a safe environment for the learners in terms of COVID-19.
Schools are working with SDCs to ensure the provision of adequate protective clothing and equipment.
The second term will run for 69 days from 3 May until 4 August 2022.