BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
The government has been criticised for ordering the re-opening of schools less than 24 hours after extending the lockdown to slow down the spread of Covid-19 by another two weeks.
Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa on Wednesday told journalists in Harare that schools, which were closed two months ago, would start re-opening on August 30 with examination classes.
Non examination classes will re-open on September 6.
The current school term was supposed to start on June 28 but was delayed by the onset of the third wave of the Covid-19 outbreak.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education met with teacher organisations and deliberated on the safe re-opening of schools, among many other issues,” Mutsvangwa said.
“Noting with satisfaction, the preparations for the resumption of classes in schools, Cabinet is advising that schools will re-open on the 30th of August 2021 for examination classes and on the 6th of September 2021 for non-examination classes.”
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), however, accused the government of ambushing teachers, parents and learners with the announcement.
“Parents, teachers and learners have all been ambushed,” PTUZ said on Thursday.
“Who has a stash of money just lying around to be used for fees or bus fare back to work?
“Government may be ready, but no-one else is. The so-called salary was used up around pay day for everyone.”
Harrison Mudzuri, the PTUZ coordinator, said by ordering schools to open a day after extending the lockdown by two weeks, the government was sending mixed signals.
“What is means is that there is no more lockdown in Zimbabwe,” Mudzuri said.
The Zimbabwe Senior Hospitals Doctors Association said the extension of the lockdown was unscientific.
“Data from the Ministry of Health clearly shows Covid-19 infections well below resurgence threshold,” the doctors said in a brief statement on Wednesday.
“Most hospitals countrywide have significantly reduced admissions,” they added.
“Lockdown has achieved its aims. If we are basing decision on stats and science, what’s the justification for the extension?”
The government also announced that restaurants will now be allowed sit-in customers, but only if they are vaccinated.
Intercity travel will only be allowed for the re-opening of schools.
Mutsvangwa said the government had also extended the Covid-19 vaccination programme to the 14-to-17-year age group.