By Vumani Mthiyane
Sacred Heart Primary and Secondary schools in Esigodini, Matabeleland South have recorded 55 Covid-19 positive cases.
In the latest round of testing 51 positive cases which are 45 are boarders, four day-scholars and two staff members following contact tracing of 4 learners who had tested positive to the virus.
In a statement released by health officials in the province last night said all positive cases have been isolated.
“Our health team managed to do contact tracing of 4 students who tested positive at Sacred Heart Secondary school. We tested a total of 136, 85 were negative while 51 were positive. Among the positive cases, 2 are staff members 4 day scholars and 45 boarders,” read part of the statement.
The day scholars who tested positive, 2 of them stay at Sacred Heart Primary,while one stays at Sacred heart secondary and the other Falcon college.
“All positive cases are in isolation, 48 are in isolation at Sacred Heart Secondary school and 3 are in home isolation since they are day scholars. Cumulative positive covid-19 cases at the institution is currently at 55. Staff members were vaccinated after testing negative. We will continue to do contact tracing to avoid the spread of SAR-CoV-2,” the statement said.
Matabeleland South Provincials Medical Director Dr Rudo Chikodzore said the situation is under control.
“We currently have an outbreak of COVID-19 in Umzingwane district at Sacred Heart high school. The health team and education team on the ground are working to contain the situation,” she said..
The Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Taungana Ndoro also confirmed the cases.
“Yes, I have heard of such reports from Sacred Heart schools. But I am currently out of the office to give you a detailed report,” said Dr Ndoro.
