A teacher at one of the schools said affected pupils were
writing in seclusion in separate rooms from the rest of the candidates, under
Ministry of Health and Child Care guidelines.
He said the isolation rooms were created to afford the
pupils a chance to write their exams without the fear of exposing their
invigilators and fellow pupils to infection.
Statistics show that since the phased opening of schools,
about 332 pupils have contracted Covid-19 countrywide and they are stable. Under
the SOP, hugs, handshakes and sharing of desks are not permitted.
In a case where a pupil tests positive or is suspected to
be positive, he or she can continue with examinations in isolation from the
rest of the pupils sitting for the examination.
Break and lunch time must be staggered to prevent crowding
by learners while sporting activities are banned. A classroom should only
accommodate a maximum of 35 pupils to allow for social distancing.
This follows reports that two teachers tested positive at
the Bulawayo Adventist High School (BAHS). Authorities say the SOPs are in
place and the school has been in liaison with the rapid response team to ensure
both teachers and pupils are safe.
The director for education at BAHS Dr Christopher Thebe
said SOPs are still in place and the rapid response team had already conducted
contact tracing.
“The situation is under control at BAHS and all our pupils
are in good health as we speak. We also have one pupil suspected to be Covid-19
positive writing Grade Seven examinations in isolation at Fairview Adventist
Primary School,” said Dr Thebe.
He said despite calls by parents to let non-examination
classes stop attending school, there was nothing to be worried about as pupils
are safe.
“We will continue to implement the SOPs and ensure that our
pupils are protected. We still await results for our Grade Seven pupil which
will come after a few days.” Chronicle
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