54 Midlands State University (MSU) students at Zvishavane Campus tested positive for coronavirus, Acting Midlands provincial medical director Dr Reginald Mhene has confirmed.
University authorities have since suspended face to face lectures at both the Main Campus in Gweru and the Zvishavane Campus.
A number of students at the Main Campus are reported to have also tested positive to COVID-19 but Mhene could not say how many were affected.
In a notice, MSU registrar Mr Tinashe Zishiri said face to face lectures at the campuses have been suspended with effect from 30 June until the situation improves.
The university will now conduct online classes until the situation improves. Said Zishiri:
Midlands State University wishes to advise all its valued stakeholders that the University has resolved to suspend face to face lectures at the Gweru Main Campus and Zvishavane Campus from Wednesday, June 30, 2021, until further notice.
This is part of preventive measures and coordinated efforts being taken to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
Zishiri said online classes will continue as scheduled adding that the university will also continue to offer electronic library services.