Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Kenyan Union Says COVID-19 in Schools Putting Teachers at Risk

Mohammed Yusuf

   NAIROBI - A Kenyan teachers union is calling on the government to give
   guidance to older teachers and those suffering from chronic diseases
   after 35 teachers and 17 students tested positive for COVID-19 in the
   past week and two teachers died. The call comes a day after Kenya's
   President Uhuru Kenyatta hinted he might re-introduce restrictions
   after a jump in confirmed daily infections.

   The partial reopening of schools in Kenya enters its fourth week, and
   at least 35 schools across the country have reported positive
   coronavirus cases.

   Tomkins Baraza, who teaches Swahili and history at the Nakuru high
   school, said teachers fear for their lives.

   "It's a very big worry for teachers now that most of the learners are
   asymptomatic. So, you don't know who is having it. If we have mass
   testing for students in all schools, in all schools, at least you will
   find some students having coronavirus disease," said Baraza.

   Baraza's school is using twelve classes instead of six to limit the
   spread of the virus and has yet to report a positive case.

   Kenya has recorded a growing number of COVID-19 positive cases in
   recent weeks, and the surge is blamed on the easing of restrictions
   meant to combat the spread of the virus.

.