Government says all schools remains closed while institutions of higher learning will continue offering only online classes as conditions are un-conducive for normal learning.
Ministry of Information Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga says from preliminary assessments conducted on the readiness of the schools and higher learning institutions to re-open after being closed for 21 days , indicators are that there is need to undertake further preparations and continuous monitoring of the COVID-19 situation in the country.
ZANIS reports that Mr Malupenga points out that following closure of schools on June 17 for 21 days, schools, colleges and universities were directed to implement heightened interventions to further prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Malupenga, flanked by his Ministry of Health counterpart Kennedy Malama, said government is resolved to keep learners in schools as it continues to respond to the COVID- 19 pandemic in the country.
“We have to strike the delicate balance between saving lives and allowing learning to continue”, said Mr Malupenga.
A detailed countrywide assessment of all learning institutions will be jointly conducted by the ministries of Health, General and Higher Education and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit ( DMMU ) from 8th to 15th July 2021 to further determine learning centers’ readiness to resume normal operations.
The Permanent Secretary hinted that a decision to re-open schools will only be made after July 15, depending on among other factors the readiness of schools and the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
President Lungu is aware of the negative impact COVID-19 has had on the education sector but that caution is required not to put the lives of leaners, teachers and other staff in schools at risk, said Mr Malupenga adding that government will continue to make decisions concerning COVID-19 based on science and evidence.
Mr Malupenga has since directed all schools, colleges and universities to ensure that they implement the COVID- 19’s five Golden rules adding that managers of learning centres found wanting will be held accountable and penalized.
“Consequently, sanctions from higher authorities will follow those charged with the responsibility to man these institutions that may fail to meet the benchmark for re-opening.
“ The preliminary assessment revealed that some institutions are doing more in observing the five COVID-19 golden rules while the majority have taken a laissez-faire attitude”, said Mr Malupenga.
He added that the fight against COVID-19 calls for extra ordinary input from all Zambians in order to curb the pandemic.
And speaking at the same event, Dr Malama denied claims by sections of society that government has allowed public health facilities such as hospitals and clinics to charge for COVID- 19 tests.
Dr Malama said any health personnel charging for COVID-19 tests at government facilities should be reported to management.
Stating that those travelling outside the country will have to pay for a COVID-19 test and certificates, Dr Malama urged the general public to continue adhering to COVID-19 safety measures and guidelines as the pandemic keeps evolving.
He also advised the general public against double masking as it can cause breathing problems .
ALL SCHOOLS TO REMAIN CLOSED OK ??
ALL MARKETS AND OPEN AIR TRADING CAN CONTINUE ??
HAS THIS GOVERNMENT THOUGHT WHICH OF THE 2 IS MORE LIKELY TO SPREAD COVID
NO BRAINS NO LOGIC NO FORESIGHT
We followed the advice of specialists more so scientists. We believe this is the right decision to save lives.
useless closing schools to justify why political rallies should be canceled , useless visionless
leadership , sad we think better that you do , note that August is the Exams month for GEC Exams
PF HAS MADE VERY FEW RIGHT DICISIONS AND THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT ONE OF THEM
THIS WILL REFLECT AT ELECTION TIME
BYE BYE PF
Tikki aka tarino you can’t even vote hahaha
OH I WILL BE VOTING THAT IS A CERT… WILL BE THERE END JULY FOR SURE
I JUST WISH THERE WAS A PRISONERS DEMOCRATIC PARTY KIKIKI
AS THAT IS WHERE MY VOTE WOULD GO
DEFINITELY NOT TO PF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“ The preliminary assessment revealed that some institutions are doing more in observing the five COVID-19 golden rules while the majority have taken a laissez-faire attitude”, said Mr Malupenga.
Amos Malupenga and Malama are just silly cadres good for just barking for Lazy Lungu .. busy reading speeches, the question we should be asking them is have the procured vaccines, what have they done for front line staff in hospitals and schools …who has taken a laissez-faire attitude between this govt and them meanwhile the KK super spreader roadshow continues, bars are still open at weekends….shopping malls and markets are open.
Irresistible urge to appear useful! Working from PF ignorant position makes everything worse. Poor Zambians are left alone to fend for themselves! PF has ran away with the public purse to bribe voters ! Painful.
Mercury – Its like a reckless father who has gone to the bar to spend all his pay to impress a girl when bills have not been paid….this is why Lazy Lungu appointed that cadre Mvunga at BOZ, after 12th August all this bill will have to be paid and taxes will rise.
Corvid is there to stay.So how long will you keep schools closed?
Children are missing alot.How will
You compensate for the loss?