Staff Reporter
FOUR boys that recently returned to school in Swakopmund last week were placed in isolation while they await COVID-19 test results.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the four learners who are residents at the hostel of Namib High School present to the Swakopmund State Hospital with flu-like symptoms.
“We do not know whether these learners have COVID-19 or not. Out of an abundance of caution, a decision was taken to take samples from them in order to test them for COVID-19,” the statement issued by the public relations department of the health ministry reads.
The tests were done as part of the active case search in line with the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ expanded targeted testing, supporting Namibia’s strategy for preparedness and response to the COVID-19.
Active case search indicates that persons who present to health facilities with symptoms consistent with the case definition for COVID-19 shall be tested.
According to the ministry the test results of the four boys will be announced later today. The boys have since been placed in separate rooms in the hostel, while awaiting the results.
The Minister said that they understand that learners and family of learners, attending this school will be concerned at this time and as an immediate step, the imperative of caution has dictated that no one will be permitted to leave the hostel until the test results are known.
The health of all the children in the hostel will be closely monitored and parents and families will be kept informed.
The Ministry called for calm and restraint while officials address the matter. The school in question will be maintaining communication with all families during this time.
The Ministry of Education will also communicate any changes to school procedures as soon as more information becomes available.
This is also in line with the Stage 1 lockdown of the Erongo Region as announced by President Hage Geingob on Monday.
