ONGWEDIVA – More than 100 Mweshipandeka Secondary School learners were tested for Covid-19 after presenting flu-like symptoms at different medical institutions since Friday.
According to the Oshana health director, Johanna Haimene, a decision was taken to take samples from the pupils to determine whether or not they had contracted Covid-19.
So far, two results have come out negative. “We are still investigating the cause of the illness. I don’t have enough information right now, and I cannot comment further,” said Haimene.
Meanwhile, Oshana education director Hilena Amukana could not give the exact number of pupils who were treated at the time, as they are still gathering more details.
“All I know is that over 100 pupils were treated at different medical institutions in Ongwediva and Oshakati during the weekend,” said Amukana.
The regional education directorate now awaits results from the health ministry on the actual cause of the flu and the necessary precautions to deploy. Amukana said some learners are currently under parental care, while others have since returned to the school’s dormitories.
“The health of all the children in the hostel will be closely monitored, and parents and families will be kept informed,” she said.
New Era caught up with one of the learners at the school, Anna Shikongo, who said: “I don’t know if it’s food poisoning, Covid-19 or it’s just a normal flu, but they are complaining of the same illness”.
The education ministry said it would communicate any changes to the school’s programme or calendar once all necessary information is in place.
The authorities have also called for calm during this period, while also maintaining that the public will be kept abreast of any developments.