More than 120 Covid-19 cases have been reported at schools in the Northern Cape
TWENTY-eight schools in the Northern Cape have been affected by Covid-19 cases and 13 of the affected schools remain closed.
This is according to the provincial Department of Education, which has expressed concern over the effect that the Covid-19 pandemic is having on the education system.
Department spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said on Tuesday that more than 100 positive Covid-19 cases have been reported at schools in the Northern Cape.
“Since the start of May, we can report that 28 schools in the Province have been directly affected due to Covid-19 cases. These schools needed to close for disinfection and positive cases were immediately isolated,” said Van der Merwe.
“To date, 13 schools still remain closed and will reopen once it is safe to do so.
“The department also recorded, from May 1 to date, 124 positive cases that were reported at schools, thus impacting on valuable learning and teaching time being lost.
“District offices have developed recovery plans for these schools to ensure that the academic performance of learners is not negatively affected.”
Van der Merwe urged everyone in the education sector to adhere to the Covid-19 safety protocols.
“We appeal to all school communities to be extra vigilant and comply with Covid-19 regulations and guidelines at all times.
“Limit your movement and contact with other people, avoid large gatherings, wear your mask at all times, sanitise or wash your hands and maintain social distancing. By doing this, all of us will contribute to limit the spread of Covid-19 in our schools.
“We all have the health and safety of learners, educators and support staff at schools at heart,” he said.
