CABINET has announced that a total 332 COVID-19 cases with majority of them being asymptomatic, have been reported in both primary and secondary learning institutions in Zimbabwe.
By Michael Gwarisa
Briefing the media during a pots cabinet briefing, Information, publicity and broadcasting services minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said the number of cases that have been reported in schools to date was still very low and there was no need to panic.
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. The nation is further assured that the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education and Health and Child Care will continue to strengthen the implementation of standard operating procedures at schools and public transport spaces in order to curb the increase in new infections,” said Senetor Mutsvangwa.
She added that cabinet was advised that the country has now ten thousand five hundred and forty-seven (10 547) confirmed COVID-19 cases compared to the nine thousand seven hundred and fourteen (9 714) reported last week. A total of eight thousand six hundred and ninety-eight (8 698) people had recovered from the disease.
“The national recovery rate stands at 82% percent. Nine thousand and eighteen (9 018) of the COVID-19 positive cases are attributable to local transmissions. It is regrettable that some 281 lives were lost to the pandemic. Of concern, however, is the increase in the number of new cases detected, from 594 recorded in week 47 to 833 in week 48.”
