Covid-19 in schools: Measures prove effective

by | May 13, 2021 | COVID 19, Local News | 0 comments

By Pretty Manyewe

Covid-19 cases in schools have been largely contained through a raft of measures by authorities which were effected as soon as they picked that cases were rising.

Measures taken include creating provincial infection and prevention teams to curb the spread of the disease in schools.
This was shared by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa at this week`s cabinet briefing.

“In the primary and secondary Sector, the nation is informed that all Covid-19 positive cases reported at Prince Edward, Sacred Heart and Bonda Mission schools have fully recovered. Most of the cases recorded at schools in Buluwayo Province since the beginning of the school term have also recovered with very few remaining active cases.

The Standardized Training Modules for use in the upgraded Covid-19 training at all learning institutions have been finalized and the roll-out in all provinces is underway,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The Government has continuously committed its efforts in ensuring the safety of learners during the pandemic, providing adequate Protective Prevention Equipment (PPEs) in all schools and setting up response teams that monitor the spread of the virus.

Since the first case in schools was recorded, no fatalities have been recorded
During the 12th Post Cabinet Briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services , Monica Mutsvangwa advised the nation that the Provincial Education and Health focal teams had been successfully trained for the Covid-19 response in schools.

“Each province has now developed a plan for implementation to enhance Infection Prevention and Control, Surveillance Risk Communication and Community Engagement. It is envisaged that compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be enhanced and buttressed by the standardized approach to the management of outbreak in schools,” she said.

This development has proven to be effective, as there has been reduced outbreaks in schools.
As the winter school term continues and fears of a third wave arises, the Ministries of Primary and Secondary and Health and Child Care continue to intensify enforcement of the Covid-19 standard operating procedures in all schools.

Those found in violation of the Covid-19 preventive measures will be sanctioned.