TSC–At least 36 teachers have succumbed to Covid-19
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has confirmed a worrying trend of Covid-19 cases in schools that has seen at least 36 teachers lose their lives.
TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia on 9th January revealed that the commission had lost over 36 teachers to Covid-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country.
A report from the commission indicated there has been over 345 confirmed cases of the virus among teachers in the country. Out of this, 209 teachers have since recovered from the virus, while 9 are still hospitalized.
TSC further revealed that 92 teachers are currently under the home based care programme,adding that 159 of the cases are male, while 186 are female.
With schools having reopened for 2021 academic year, schools continue to face challenges as observing social distance in schools continues to be elusive due high number of learners especially in public schools.
Dr. Macharia stated that the commission had negotiated for medical insurance cover with provider, Minet, so as to cover all teachers who may contract the virus.
“The commission’s field officers are also working with stakeholders in the health sector to provide psycho-social support to all teachers who may require the service,” Macharia stated.
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TSC data reveals that there are 337,432 teachers in the country serving more than 30,000 public primary and post-primary school.
TSC has exempted teachers aged 58 years and above from active duties and instead has urged them to work from home.
The teachers service commission has also weighed in on psycho social support among its members stating that the commission’s field officers are working with stakeholders in the health sector to provide psycho-social support to all teachers who may require the service.
Health CAS Dr Mercy Mwangangi had earlier hinted that should Covid-19 vaccine arrive in Kenya, teachers will be among the first front-line workers to receive the vaccination jab.
Teachers are reported to be among the super spreaders of the virus and TSC expressed concerns regarding the safety of teachers and learners in schools.
