Zimbabwean parents with children studying in China have said they will not follow the repatriation route taken by other countries following assurances by the local embassy that they are safe from the deadly disease.
South Africa and a few others have already started repatriating their nationals from China due to the high risks associated with the disease.
Speaking after meeting the Chinese embassy officials, Paul Musodza confirmed agreeing to keep their children in China.
“We will keep our children there since they have assured us that the students are safe. We hope they finish studying and come back to home safe,” said Musodza.
The Deputy Ambassador of China to Zimbabwe, Zhao Baogang said around 2000 students from Zimbabwe are currently studying in China.
300 students are said to be in the country for holidays and did not return after China raised flags for coronavirus.
Baogang said they are doing everything they can to protect foreign students.
“We would like to assure parents that your children are safe. No foreigners have been infected so far. We are not sure how long the pandemic will take but we do not encourage the students to travel since we have the situation under control,” he said.
“So far we are isolating them but they are accessing food at their canteens and also can order food online. Most universities are functional online currently. Students are accessing their lectures and study material through their portals so that they wont be left behind,” added Baogang.
In an interview with one of the students, Christine Chinake who had come back for holidays said there is not much to miss out because shes getting all her study material and lectures online everyday around 3am.
“In the Province where l stay, not many cases have been reported for coronavirus however i want to encourage my fellow students to remain calm and continue observing the WHO guidelines,” said Chinake.
