PRIVATE schools around the country have been allowing pupils to travel for unsanctioned exeat weekends a move feared could trigger a spike in COVID-19 infections in schools if it goes unabated.
By Michael Gwarisa
Briefing Journalists during a Post Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Boradcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said COVID-19 cases in schools were on a downward trend but the illegal movement of pupils during unsanctioned exeat weekend posed a threat
The nation is also being advised that the number of new COVID-19 infections among learners in schools continue to decrease. Movement of boarders during term time as well as general non-compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures for the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 and other Influenza-like illnesses in the Primary and Secondary Education Sector has contributed to outbreaks in schools.
“It has been observed that some private schools are not fully observing of the provisions of the Education Act as evidenced by the continued practice of allowing parents to withdraw boarders from school for exeat weekend or for half term school breaks during the pandemic, and that enforcement of the Public Health Act on such unsanctioned movement of learners during the pandemic will be evoked and strengthened,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Mr Mutsvangwa’s warning also comes hot on the heels of a stunt that was pulled by pupils from Nashville Secondary School in Gweru who staged a COVID-19 outbreak with the aim of being granted passage to go and recuperate from home.
Meanwhile, she added that government was still optimistic of attaining its end of year herd immunity target despite the current low vaccine uptake.
“Cabinet also noted the need to ramp up vaccination to attain the national herd immunity by year end as targeted. To this end, a programme of activities and schedule is being compiled in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. The public will be kept abreast of the developments. Government urges all citizens and urges all citizens who are yet to be inoculated to present themselves for vaccination.”
