Chinese embassy assures Zim parents

Harare(New Ziana) – The Chinese embassy on Tuesday said no Zimbabwean student in China had yet contracted the deadly COVID-19 virus which broke out in the Asian country last December.

The virus, which has killed close to 3 000 people in China where it originated, is rapidly spreading around the world.

At least 2 000 Zimbabwean students are studying at various universities in China.

Addressing parents of students who are in China, Chinese deputy ambassador Zhao Baogang said so far no Zimbabwean student had been infected by coronavirus, another name for COVID-19.

“This morning I had a telephone conversation with the Foreign Affairs office of Hubei province. I know that many of your kids are in Hubei province. I checked with her about the latest situation there;she once again assured me of the safety and security of your kids in China.

“Regularly, I also talk with the Minister Counsellor of (the) Zimbabwean embassy in Beijing, he assured me that there are no complaints or reported cases.

“I assure you that no foreign students, not just Zimbabweans, in Hubei province are infected with the disease,” he said.

Baogang urged the parents to encourage their children to observe ‘lock down’ measures set by their universities to ensure their safety.

“We have lock down for all universities in Hubei and Wuhan. We asked the students to stay indoors. That is the best approach. Then we also take care of them with food. Generally they can order the food online then the food will be delivered to the dormitories or the gates of the university or they could also go to the canteen,” he said.

To ensure students do not fall behind on their studies, Baogang said lectures were being conducted on various online platforms.

“We have done something to ensure that they are studying, as far as I know some of the universities have quickly developed some apps and also set up some online platforms to ensure that the students could continue studying and ensure that they are not lagging behind.

“We know that some of the students might get restless, they feel annoyed or maybe they missed their parents or maybe they want to attend public gatherings but the best approach is to stay indoors so we have invited some professors and doctors to give them advise to ensure that they calm down until the issue is resolved,” he said.

The parents who attended the meeting said food being sold on some campuses had become exorbitant for the students who are not allowed to leave universities.

“The price of packed food being sold on campus has become so exorbitant for the learners,” said one parent.

Another parent said some students’ visas were about to expire, raising fears they could become illegal immigrants in the country.

“If I may ask for those who have visas that are about to expire, what measures have you put (in place) that we can be assured that our children are safe,” asked Ruth Muponda, a parent.

But the Chinese deputy ambassador assured the parents that all their issues regarding students in China would be addressed.

New Ziana