Corona Virus (Covid-19) School Updates

Statement ID: CS-CVD19-17022021-2

15th June 2021

In light of the widespread increase of Covid-19 infections around Zambia, we have decided that we will not be having a half-term break as previously planned. We consider it unsafe to send all our students back to their homes during this third wave and then to bring them back to school shortly after.

We will, therefore, keep the students in school and alter our end of term closing date. School will now close on Saturday 17 July. We are currently working on adjusting our internal programmes to accommodate this change.

Furthermore, please can we ask parents to respect the following:

• We are reducing traffic in and out of the campus, as a result we cannot allow parental visits nor boarders to go home for the weekend.
• We will be meeting the students’ provision needs (such as toiletries, tuck etc) through the tuck shop by adding an extra amount to your child’s tuck account which will be billed to parents. Therefore, we are kindly asking parents not to send parcels into school for their children. Any such parcels will be turned back at the gate.

Thank you for your understanding and support in these matters.

Stay safe and God bless

Paul Vines
Principal
Chengelo School

Statement ID: CS-CVD19-17022021-1

17th February 2021

Chengelo School, alongside all other schools in Zambia, opened on Monday 1^st February 2021 as per the Government directive. In preparation for the students’ return, staff were screened and tested. Subsequently, on arrival, all students were screened for Covid-19 symptoms.

Since opening, the School has been operating under strict Ministry of Health Covid-19 guidelines. We have been monitoring our students by taking their temperatures on a daily basis. We are also frequently engaging them on how they can play their part in keeping our community safe by masking up, social distancing and washing their hands regularly. Learning spaces and hostels are sanitized thoroughly each day. We have also restructured all our programmes and activities to ensure the school complies with MOH guidelines. We are using our pastoral care programmes to support the students through these challenging and changing times.

Students who have presented with flu-like symptoms have been referred to the clinic for screening and a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) if needed. Those who have tested positive for Covid-19 have returned home to isolate and recover. These students continue to be supported by the School and are receiving work through catchup classes via Google Classroom. Following a positive test result our policy is to carry out ‘contact tracing’ followed up with an RDT on those who have had close contact with the positive cases. As required, we are informing and working closely with the local MOH offices. For international students, we have established a facility within school in which they can isolate and be monitored.

Most recently, on the afternoon of Tuesday 16^th February, we had a very positive visit from the MOH Provincial surveillance team. They commended the School for how we are adhering to protocols, engaging the students to take responsibility as well as the initiatives we have shown in handling cases. The team supported our approach of sending students home who have tested positive for Covid-19 in the absence of a large isolation facility on site. They also confirmed that our situation is far from unique in the Province as the virus is widespread in the community.

Under the current guidelines we will remain open unless otherwise directed by the Ministry of Health.

Stay safe and God bless

Paul Vines
Principal
Chengelo School