Tinotenda Hove -The Government has moved to allay fears of bed bug infestations in schools, assuring parents and guardians that all necessary precautions are being taken ahead of the reopening of the second term on Tuesday.

Concerns had been raised by parents following reports of bed bug cases in Harare, Mutare, and Kwekwe, prompting worries about the potential spread to boarding schools.

Speaking in an interview, Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Mr. Taungana Ndoro said the situation was under control, with hygiene protocols firmly in place.

“No, we do not expect to have any bed bugs in our schools,” he said. “Currently, our schools are closed, but when they were last open, we did not have any bed bugs.”

He further explained that schools continue to follow established health protocols introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Furthermore, we have standard operating procedures, which have been in place since the Covid-19 pandemic, that ensure hygiene and health standards are maintained in our schools, providing a safe learning environment for all our children,” Mr. Ndoro added.

Meanwhile, Sunday saw a flurry of activity as parents and guardians gathered at various pick-up points to see off their children returning to boarding schools.