… rogue schools face criminal charges

Schools will remain closed “until further notice”, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Cain Mathema has said, dismissed fake news claiming schools would re-open on September 2.

Government closed schools due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic to curb the spread of the virus and to protect teachers and learners.

But of late fake news has been doing the rounds, especially on social media platforms that schools would re-open next month.

In a statement yesterday, Minister Mathema dismissed the rumors:

“Contrary to misleading social media reports that schools will reopen on 2
September 2020 or 15 September 2020 for examination classes, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education would like to reiterate to its valued stakeholders that the Government deferred the re-opening of schools until further notice,” he said.

“Government is currently in widespread consultations and will only announce any schools re-opening date once Cabinet has taken a position.

“It is in this light that the Ministry advises all schools remain closed until a Government directive on re-opening is issued.”

Government has warned rogue schools that they face criminal charges.

“Any school that defies the order to remain closed during this lockdown period shall be in violation of the law and may face criminal charges.

“Our valued stakeholders need to be advised that the Ministry continues to
prioritise health and safety as it strives to provide equitable, quality, inclusive, relevant and competence driven Primary, Secondary and Non-formal education at all times,” said the Education Minister.