CASES RISE

Schools won’t close, lockdown likely

Schools will not be shut down despite the surge in Corona virus cases, which surpassed the 1 300 mark this week, while lockdown on a need to basis, has not been ruled out.

Director of Health Services Malaki Tshipayagae admitted that the virus is spreading fast in schools with some students having already tested positive to the virus. They are also aware that parents are worried but assured them that all is under control.

Tshipayage shared this week in his weekly update that investigations have revealed that transmission among students is relatively low compared to among adults.

“Even when we conduct mass testing in schools, we often come out with only two cases or so and mostly the child would have been infected by their guardians. This is one of the reasons why we decided that learning continues in school,” he said.

Corona virus he said has been traced even at higher learning institutions such as University of

Botswana.

Nonetheless he did not rule out the possibility of imposing a lockdown should the need arise. Despite relaxation of some Covid-19 lockdown rules, the Covid 19 Task Team is still on high alert to ensure that its containment efforts are realised locally.

The Director of Health further revealed that they have decided that where possible, children should be quarantined or isolated at home. This he said is to reduce psychological trauma.

Meanwhile, the move is in line with what Chirwah Mahloko of Stepping Stone International (SSI) advised that both authorities and the general public should be cautious when dealing with Covid-19 issues involving children.

Mahloko told this publication that there was need to protect children from assuming the worst when it comes to Covid-19. He advised that there be intensive counseling for children currently in isolation. He also advised that messaging on Covid-19 has to be slightly toned down when addressing minors.