By Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, July 14 -A significant cold front is currently sweeping across the entire country, affecting various regions, including the city, the coast, and the southern towns. Even the northern towns have not been spared, as the front has ravaged small gardens and forced everyone to seek shelter indoors. The impending reopening of schools next week has raised concerns among parents, particularly in rural areas, where children may struggle to attend classes and miss out on crucial preparations for end-of-year examinations.
The Zambezi region has already experienced the impact of the cold front for the past week, with temperatures plummeting to sub-zero levels in certain areas, particularly near the Zambezi River. Katima Mulilo has been hit the hardest by these extreme weather conditions. Compounding the worries of parents is the association between cold weather and the resurgence of COVID-19 cases. Parents fear that their children will once again be exposed to the deadly virus when schools reopen. Experts have cautioned that lower temperatures and extreme humidity, both high and low, can contribute to the stability of the virus and prolong the period of infection. This means that the coronavirus can remain airborne in respiratory droplets for extended periods of time.
Not only school children, but the elderly as well, are being affected by the declining temperatures. Cold weather poses an increased risk of cardiac issues, such as heart attacks and strokes, particularly for individuals with preexisting heart conditions. This is due to the body’s natural defense mechanisms kicking in as the temperature drops. Additionally, cold weather can exacerbate respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
As the cold front approaches next week, some parents are grappling with the decision of whether to send their children back to school. Simasiku Mubyana, a concerned parent interviewed by NDN, expressed his fear for his children’s safety. He stated, “My only hope is that the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health implement measures to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. While we may not be experts, we believe that transmission is more likely to occur in cold temperatures. We will carefully consider the risks and make a decision accordingly.” When asked if he might choose to keep his children at home for now, Mubyana acknowledged that it was one of the options on the table.
However, the pressing question on everyone’s mind is whether the nation is adequately prepared to face another pandemic, particularly with schools scheduled to reopen next week. Efforts to obtain comments from the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Health at the time of publication were unsuccessful.- Namibia Daily News
