Learners at Minda High School in Maphisa will have to stay at least one more week at the school after 20 students tested positive for Covid-19.
Schools closed on Friday with borders trooping back home for the holidays.
However, the Roman Catholic-run school has gone into lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.
Learners who tested positive have been isolated from the rest of the school.
Parents and guardians were informed of this development as they waited to collect their children on Friday morning.
In an interview with CITE, one of the guardians said the school headmaster, Norcan Nyamambi sent a message informing them on the development.
“We have received a message that read ‘On behalf of Minda High school management, I wish to advise all parents, guardians and stakeholders that the travelling of learners to their homes (on 18 December) has been suspended owing to 20 confirmed Covid -19 cases,” said the parent.
In the message, the headmaster said the school is currently working with the Covid-19 task force to manage the situation but indications were the learners would remain in quarantine for at least a week.
The headmaster also implored all the parents and guardians to remain calm as no learner has exhibited severe symptoms.
“We shall continue to give you updates as we get full guidance from the relevant authorities. Parents and guardians of affected learners will be contacted individually, hopefully before the end of the day, today,” read part of the message.
Matabeleland South Provincial Medical Director, Dr Rudo Chikodzere, said she was yet to receive the report, as she was travelling.
“I was away and travelling back so I am yet to receive the report. The school can provide more detail,” she said.
Reached for comment, Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro, said the isolation and quarantine was part of the recommended guidelines to prevent learners from infecting others at home.
“Its common cause, as these are the recommended protocols through the National Rapid Response guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” he said.
