As part of the adjusted school calendar for 2020, Grade 7 and 12 learners will return to class on June 1.
The amended calendar was approved by the National Coronavirus Command Council on April 30.
The council also approved the return of office-based school staff on May 4, in line with the directive from the Department of Public Service and Administration.
This will be followed by the return of school management teams on May 11 to prepare the schools prior to return of learners.
Teachers will be allowed to return to work on May 18.
The approved dates for the phased in reopening of the basic education sector was announced by the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga on Thursday during a media briefing.
“There have been an increase in anxiety and confusion in relation with the status of schooling, and when learners would be allowed to go back into their schools,” the minister said.
She added that robust discussions were held regarding the reopening of schools.
The minister said that a number of steps would need to be taken to ensure the health and safety of our learners and teachers.
“These measures are contained in the Standard Operating Procedures Booklet, which will be used in all schools”.
Social distancing:
• Physical distancing in classrooms, including not more than two learners sharing a desk.
• No hugging or handshaking.
• Direct contact must be avoided.
• Cloth masks to be worn by learners and teachers at all times.
• No mass public events. All sports matches, choral practices and festivals, eisteddfods are not permitted.
• Extra classes should be arranged in small groups that maintain social distancing.
Infrastructure and furniture:
• Sanitise classrooms prior to the start of each school day.
• Sanitise hands on entering of classrooms.
• Limit movement of learners between classes.
• No clustering of desks in classrooms.
Transport:
• Buses must be sanitised prior to all trips.
• Everybody to sanitise hands on entering buses.
• The distance between learners in the buses must be managed
• The wearing of masks throughout the school day, starting before boarding transport, is compulsory.
A basic and essential hygiene and sanitation package for schools has been developed and critical items are being procured.
“The package includes cleaning and disinfection materials, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), sanitisers, hand-washing soap, gloves, cloth masks and thermometers,” the minister said.
She added that the department had developed guidelines for schools on maintaining hygiene during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide recommendations on the proper cleaning and use of PPE.
“Screening of learners and educators will be done at the reopening of schools, starting with Grades 7 and 12. Temperature checks will be administered. Learners or staff members who present with raised temperatures, will then be considered for isolation and testing,” Motshekga said.
