According to the president, the reopening of schools has been delayed until further notice due to the fourth wave of Covid-19, which has resulted in an increase in the number of new infections and deaths due to respiratory disease.
Zimbabwean schools were due to open for the first term on January 10. However, exam classes, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level will be returning to school next week to finish writing the examinations.
“The New Year, 2022, begins under the persistent shadow of the global Covid-19 pandemic. The week closing the year has seen us record a total of 10 384 cases of infections and 142 deaths. These somber statistics translate to an average I 483 new cases of infections, and 20 deaths each day.
“The last three days alone were especially dire, with some 2 000 new infection cases, and 30 deaths recorded daily. Clearly, our Nation is in the grip of an OMICRON VARIANT-induced FOURTH WAVE, whose curve we continue to struggle to flatten before the curve begins to tend down.” His statement read.
“The current Level Two National Lockdown is extended by a further two weeks, after which an appropriate review will be announced, guided by a scientific appreciation of the obtaining situation;
“With the exception of Examination Classes which resume classes as announced by the responsible Ministry, the general school calendar is hereby delayed until further notice. Examination Classes exempt from this delay are however expected to strictly comply with preventive public health measures;
“While Business reopens and resumes as normal, employers are expected to put in train all the essential preventive public health measures, including encouraging part of their workforce to operate from home, and through virtual platforms as practicable;
“As before and always, face masks must be worn by all our citizens in public places, spaces, gatherings and when patronizing public transport;
“Those of our citizens who are yet to get vaccinated, should, without delay, proceed to get vaccinated at designated vaccination centers. Provincial task-force teams should be on hand to motivate and intensify the vaccination process;
“While Government finalizes measures to introduce and roll out a nationwide booster vaccination program, we are all expected to adhere fully to World Health Organisation, WHO, measures on public health, including and especially the washing of hands under running water; sanitizing; social distancing; to the extent possible avoiding crowds and unnecessary gatherings and, wearing face masks at all times and in all public situations.” Read the statement further.
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