By A Correspondent- Fifteen COVID-19 patients at St Francis of Assisi High School in Chivhu went on a hunger strike on Sunday to force the government to release them, arguing that conditions at the centre were deplorable and would hinder recovery.

The 15 patients – two Chivhu police officers and 13 returnees – were confirmed positive early June and have not been eating since Sunday night.

Chikomba district development co-ordinator Michael Mariga, who is chairperson of the COVID-19 taskforce, said he was not authorised to comment on the issue and referred questions to the provincial development co-ordinator Tavabarira Kutamahufa.

Kutamahufa said he was yet to receive a report on the matter.

“I will get back to you when I get the correct facts,” he said.

However, an official at the school said: “They refused to take food until authorities were summoned to talk to them. It worked and they are taking their meals normally.”

The returnees were placed in quarantine in May before being isolated.

Returnees around the country have raised concern over crowding and lack of basis amenities in most quarantine centres.

-Newsday