Mako Jerera
The Zimbabwe National Unions of School Heads (ZINUSH) of Primary and High school have called on Government to consider delaying opening the new school term until rising Covid-19 cases subside.
Heads from across the country converged this weekend and came up with resolutions to engage them government on, which included a proposed reopening roadmap.
In a statement, ZINUSH President, Mr John Muzamani said schools should be reopened around August, after winter.
“When the time to reopen schools comes, the Government needs to consider reopening first those schools in districts that would not be under localized lockdown. Those schools in hot spot districts need to remain closed and be opened on a case basis and under strict monitoring . Testing and vaccinating of teachers must be done first every time a school reopens,” said Muzamani.
The Union suggests that the government must close those schools with cases and monitor how they can return to normalcy while those without cases are allowed to remain open but exercising caution.
On the matter of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in schools local Environmental Health Technicians (EHTs) may be used to monitor PPEs adequacy in schools and recommend closure or opening of the schools.
ZINUSH urged the government to increase testing and vaccination of teachers before opening of schools to prevent mass spreading when schools reopen.
Meanwhile, the ZINUSH said they are ready to sit down with Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare at the third National Joint Negotiation Committee to discuss salary issues.
Cabinet is expected to make a determination on schools reopening tomorrow.
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