All schools, colleges and universities must close next Tuesday as the Government steps up efforts to ensure any outbreak of coronavirus in Zimbabwe is controlled and minimised.

So far, no case has been confirmed yet.

While originally the Government was prepared to let the normal term end, President Mnangagwa yesterday said, in a statement, that the Government’s new decision was informed by concerns raised by parents and the education sector.

The President said while Zimbabwe had not recorded any case of the virus to date, Government thought it prudent to err on the side of caution, more so since teaching institutions had high levels of human concentration and contact.

“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,” he said.

On Tuesday, President Mnangagwa said Government would advise on dates for the reopening of all schools and colleges in the country once the threat of the virus is judged to have receded.

He said March 24 should allow for an orderly closure of the institutions and for parents to arrange for the safe travel of pupils and students to their homes.-State media