Schools in particular have been identified as one of the biggest threats in terms of the transmission when it comes to Covid-19.
This is according to Angie Motshekga, minister of basic education, on the reason for schools closing on March 18.
“As a sector we have determined that schools should resume on April 14, unless determined differently. If that happens it will be communicated with parents. We are going to lose 10 school days as a result of the school closures,” said Motshekga.
“To compensate for lost days the June holidays will be cut short by a week. Once opened schools will be encouraged to extend tuition hours.
“The technical aspects of these measures will be addressed by the concerned parties. Let’s keep in mind that the President has declared a national disaster which means that we are operating under extra ordinary conditions,” said Motshekga.
She said based on the rising cases of Covid-19 in South Africa, they considered that closing schools should take place but time needed to be given to parents to prepare for it.
“The drastic step of closing schools has become necessary but we also needed to ensure that measures are put in place to mitigate the impact.”
She said the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) agreed on a number of steps that must be taken to ensure that education is not compromised.
“Each province, district, circuit and school must have a practical and comprehensive catch-up plan to be implemented. As things stand right now and based on expert advice we should be able to manage coronavirus such that the negative impact on schooling is minimized.
“All mass events of more than 100 people scheduled for March and April will be postponed or cancelled with immediate effect. The activities include the South African School Choral Eisteddfod, all school sports programmes and of course assemblies.
“We will intensify the Read to Lead campaign with our partners to ensure that it is used to assist learners and parents alike to get involved in literacy initiatives.
“We urge schools to give learners work they can do at home with the supervision of parents. Schools are encouraged to give learners workbooks and worksheets to be used to keep learners active on curriculum based initiatives.
“We therefore appeal to South Africans to familiarise themselves with the directives of the Department of Health and NICD.”
This includes:
- Be vigilant and look out for symptoms of fever (more than 38 degrees Celsius), coughing and shortness of breath.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Practise safe cough etiquette. Cough or sneeze into your flexed elbow or into a tissue and immediately dispose of the tissue in a safe place such as a bin.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as well as handshakes
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, spaces and areas of the school.
- Identify, isolate and report learners, teachers or support staff showing symptoms especially if they have had contact with, or have travelled to highly affected countries as reported by the World Health Organisation.
“It is time that we get parents to play their part in the education of their children. We appeal to each one of us to cooperate and ensure that we put the interest of the children on top of the priority list.”
