By Derick Tsimba

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced early closure of schools and tertiary institutions in a move that is expected to control the spread of the COVID 19 virus, the Harare Post can report.

In a press statement yesterday in Harare, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said “Following concerns from parents, as well as representations by the educational sector, Government has decided that all schools and tertiary institutions (colleges, polytechnics and universities) will now close on Tuesday, 24^th March 2020, as a precaution against the outbreak and spread of Coronavirus.

“While Zimbabwe has not recorded any cases of the virus to date, Government has thought it prudent to err on the side of caution, more so in respect of teaching institutions where human concentration and contact is expectedly high. The decision is part of the general precautionary measures the country is taking in light of the worldwide outbreak and rapid spread of the Coronavirus.

“As I announced on Tuesday, 17^th March 2020, Government will advice on the dates for the reopening of all teaching institutions in the country once the threat of the virus is adjudged to have receded,” said the President.

The President also said, “The date of 24^th March should allow for an orderly closure of our institutions, and for parents to arrange for the safe travel of pupils and students.”

Government continues to follow the World Health Organisations regulations to control the spread of Coronavirus.

In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said Schools are to be closed from Friday, 20^th March 2020, until further notice in response to the coronavirus deadly disease. Many countries are now closing schools and public events have been cancelled such as clubs, restaurants and bars.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in an effort to curb the spread of Coronavirus on Sunday, 15 March 2020, ordered the closure of schools. The South African President also suspended visits to prisoners in correctional facilities.

The Harare Post has learnt at least half a million people viewing the live streams by Pope Francis’ during the morning masses from is private chapel, a move which reduces spread of Coronavirus.

Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Monday, 16  March 2020, called for member states to shun all face-to-face international meetings. The Development Community said international meetings should be held with skype and e-conferencing, where possible and control the spread of the Coronavirus.