A special examination will be set for a post-graduate student at Lupane State University (LSU), who is in isolation after coming into close contact with a person who succumbed to Covid-19.
LSU opened in mid-June and examinations are set to start next week.
However, the students’ situation caused a stir, as LSU staff debated on how to handle the case without discriminating on the particular student and exposing other students to the pandemic.
Some lecturers were of the view the student could sit for their exams in a secluded place at the same time with other students while others noted a special exam was necessary as the university had to minimise contact with other students.
In an interview with CITE, LSU Marketing and Communications Director, Zwelithini Dlamini, said the university had resolved that those in isolation would sit for a special examination after going through the mandatory isolation period.
He added this was also a precautionary measure against Covid-19.
“A special examination(s) would be set for the affected student and all others that might be in similar situations after they have fully recovered or gone through the isolation protocols,” Dlamini said.
Isolation usually takes 14 to 21 days to determine whether one has Covid-19 and helps stop the virus spreading to other people.
The LSU spokesperson noted the university had embarked on a Covid-19 awareness and prevention campaign.
“Our prevention measures include the provision of footbaths, hand sanitising equipment, whilst also encouraging both staff and students to wear face masks – on and off campus.
“LSU emphasised on the need to observe social distancing while the furniture in both teaching and examination venues has been arranged to allow for social distancing. We also diligently check temperature for both staff and students,” Dlamini said.
He added the university has also scaled down on staffing, opting to remain with skeletal staff to minimise congestion and enhance social distancing measures.
“Meanwhile research on Covid-19 related issues is ongoing but it’s too early to make any meaningful commentary for now. Further commentary will be informed by research outcomes,” Dlamini highlighted.
Early July, a 16-year-old pupil from a high school on the outskirts of Bulawayo wrote his Ordinary Level (O’Level) June examinations under quarantine in Bulawayo after returning from Botswana recently.
The teenager returned to the country ahead of the June Advanced and Ordinary Level examinations which started at the end of June.
