Gvt Extends Vaccination To 12-15 Year Age Group

Government has formally extended vaccination to those aged 12 to 15 after receiving the guidance report from the special Covid -19 vaccination group led by the Pediatric Association in approving the extension.

Speaking during a cabinet briefing, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programs, Joram Gumbo said : ” The science based guidance from the Pediatric Association of Zimbabwe special Covid -19 group , was for Covid -19 vaccination to include the young ones up to age 12.

Minister Gumbo added that resumption of schools has seen a rise in positive cases across the country detected among learners n teachers.

“During the week in review, 145 learners in 38 schools tested positive for COVID-19 ,while 11 members of staff also tested positive ”

Gumbo also emphasized that the nation should not enter into relaxation mode for the slight increase in cases is not only in the education sector but coming from the negligence of social distancing, masking and good hygiene.

“Cabinet advises the number of people in need of hospitalization for Covid 19 increased with country’s bed occupancy rate increasing from 1.3% the previous week to 2.1 % during the week under review and a total of fifty – four new admissions were recorded during the week compared to thirty – two the previous week ”

Government also said that all active cases detected through the school surveillance system are under isolation and being managed in accordance with the relevant protocols to be extended to the 12 to 15 years old age group.”