Barely a fortnight since the phased reopening, COVID-19 has continued to affect learners in schools. Two schools were shut down in Mombasa County yesterday after teachers and students tested positive for Coronavirus.
A student has been isolated after testing positive at Kabote Adventist Secondary School in Nandi Hills, in a worrying trend of COVID-19 pandemic. This happened even the Grade four assessment tests kicked off yesterday.
According to Nandi Hills Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Joseph Kangor, medics had been visiting Kabote to test the learners.
"The health teams are closely monitoring schools to ensure the situation is under control," Ms Koech said yesterday.
In another case, a Form 4 candidate at St Peter's Boys, Kakamega was admitted to an isolation centre in Mumias after testing positive for the virus. The candidate had initially been rushed to St Mary's Mission Hospital for medication after he contracted a fever while in school.
Two other students are in isolated at the school premise due to earlier interaction with their colleague.
"He is currently in stable condition at the isolation centre. Adequate measures have been taken to ensure that other students who interacted with him self-quarantine in a facility at the school," said Dr Collins Matemba, the county Health executive.
In Nairobi County, two non-teaching staff at Nova Pioneer Schools were also reported to have contracted the virus hence delayed reopening by a week.
"We did contact tracing and tested others as well. It concerns us and that is why we did what did, especially for those handling the children," director Christopher Khaemba told the Nation.
Form 4 candidates reopened schools for face-to-face learning 12th this month after the Ministry of Education directed that standard 8, Grade 4 and form 4 learners resume studies after a seven-month break due to the coronavirus crisis.
COVID-19 infections have tripled since reopening of schools casting doubt on Monday's anticipated full resumption of face-to-face learning in Kenya. Parents, teachers and various education stakeholders have urged caution.
"Corona came to wipe away 2020 academic year in Kenya! Trying to squeeze in there will not yield any positive results! Let's wait for January 2021 for schools to resume learning. In any case, losing one academic year is not a big deal in Kenya." One parent said.
"We are trying, but it's not a walk in the park. Learners came to school with the notion that Corona is not there and so they are wearing masks to please teachers. They are wondering why they should put on the masks, even after counselling and talking to them!" Benard Wanjala, a teacher added.
