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Muchaneta Chimuka
The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) has urged all learning institutions to be extremely cautious and continue taking strict preventative measures in the wake of a possible second wave of Covid-19.  

CWGH is a network of national membership based civil society and community based organisations who aim to collectively enhance community participation in health in Zimbabwe. 

Their message comes at a time school children have tested positive for Covid-19 in some parts of the country.

CWGH Executive Director, Mr Itai Rusike, said they are worried by complacency among Zimbabweans, including school authorities, parents and pupils, who have virtually stopped following the WHO Covid-19 guidelines.

 This is despite high chances of a second wave that could even be more disastrous than the first attack that began in Zimbabwe in March.

“There is a false assumption among Zimbabweans that Covid-19 is past us, creating a sense of false security and general complacency,” said Mr Rusike. 

He said that, of late CWGH has observed, with extreme concern and disbelief, that some schools are not enforcing social distancing among pupils, wearing of face masks or frequent washing of hands by both students, staff and teachers.

“Such complacency among Zimbabweans, and more specifically in schools, is not only dangerous to those individuals but a threat to the health of all the people in Zimbabwe,” he warned.

He added that risk of Covid-19 transmission is potentially higher if inadequate measures are not put in place to protect school children. These measures include wearing face masks, handwashing, temperature screening and social distancing. 

He further pointed out that recent relaxation of Covid-19 regulations and the opening up of sectors such as education, tourism and international travel by government must not be a licence to disregard the WHO regulations.