BY NOTHANDO DUBE
At least 51 learners at a top boarding school in Dete, Matabeleland North, have tested positive for Covid-19.
The Covid-19 outbreak at Marist Brothers Secondary School followed an upsurge in cases in schools in the province.
According to a memo circulated from the school headmaster Jacob Mutingwende to parents, the first case was reported on February 16.
“On February 16, 2022, one Marist learner tested positive to Covid-19. Within three days, the number rose to four (4),” Mutingwende said.
“On 16th February, a significant number of learners presented with flu like symptoms.
“The commonest symptom was a sore throat. A Covid-19 test was done and 25 learners tested positive (and) thereafter, Covid-19 cases started surging.”
Mutingwende said although some leaners were suffering from sore throats and flu-like symptoms, the majority of them had mild symptoms.
“Currently, there are 51 learners who are active Covid-19 patients. The majority of them do not have any symptoms,” he said.
“Apart from the Covid-19 test results, there is nothing showing that these learners are sick.”
He said the school was being assisted by the Primary and Secondary Education and Health and Child Care ministries to contain the outbreak.
“At this point, we would like to advise parents and guardians not to panic,” Mutingwende said.
“All learners are out of danger.”
On Tuesday, the Health and Child Care ministry said 64 new infections were reported from schools in Matabeleland North.
A report tabled in Cabinet on Tuesday said Masvingo topped in the number of new infections for the week ending February 21 with 642 cases followed by Manicaland (402), Mashonaland East (280) and Matabeleland North (91).