Govt defers schools opening

Post Reporter
GOVERNMENT has deferred the opening of schools from Monday to a date to be announced.

In a statement, which was also confirmed by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, Government said only 2020 Zimsec ‘O’ and ‘A’ level examination classes will resume on January 5.

The statement reads: “The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education would like to advise its valued learners, parents, guardians and other stakeholders, that in light of the surge in Covid-19 infections and the new and more contagious variants of the disease as well as the threat posed by Cyclone Chalane, Government has seen it fit to deviate from the previously announced 2021 school calendar that directed schools to open on January 4, 2021.

“In this regard, please be advised that 2020 Zimsec ‘O’ and ‘A’ level examinations will resume on January 5, 2021 to February 5, 2021 as previously announced. Having deferred the opening of schools beyond January 4, 2021, the dates for the commencement of the 2021 school calendar for all primary and secondary schools will be announced in due course as Government monitors the situation.”

It further reads: “The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education takes this opportunity to remind learners, parents and guardians to reinforce wearing of masks, physical distancing as well as handwashing to prevent the spread and infection of Covid-19. In the meantime, heads of schools should continue with preparations for the safe opening of schools and the accelerated implementation of teaching and learning activities.”