Teacher at Drommedaris Primary positive for Covid-19

The principal, Raymond Stoffels, assured parents that the situation was being managed and parents shouldn't panic

June 10, 2020

Ntombikayise Sibeko 2 minutes read

Grade Seven learners' parents at Drommedaris Primary School raised their concerns during a meeting in regards to the safety of the learners since the school reported a Covid-19 case.

Drommedaris Primary School learners and parents were informed by letter on June 8 that a teacher at the school tested positive for Covid-19, and has since been hospitalised.

The letter, seen by the Advertiser, stated that the department has informed the school that people who were in close contact with the educator must be identified and will be tested and self-isolated for 14 days.

The letter further stated that if any learner or anyone who has a contagious cough or a high temperature should follow guidance and stay home.Parents of the Grade Seven learners who went back to school on June 8 were left fearing for their children’s lives as they may have been in contact with teachers who came in contact the teacher who was hospitalised.

Parents also raised concerns about what the school was doing to ensure their children were safe.

Allegations of negligence at the school spread throughout the area and on social media.

On June 9, parents of the Grade Seven learners were called to a meeting to iron out some of allegations which have been circulating since the announcement of the Covid-19 case at the school. During the meeting, which took place at 8am outside the school premises, the principal, Raymond Stoffels, assured parents that the situation was being managed and parents shouldn’t panic.

According to Stoffels, he received a message from the teacher on June 7 to say the Covid-19 test was positive. The teacher was reportedly at the school on June 3 and was admitted to hospital the following day.

“I informed the Department of Education on June 7 and members from the health department came to the school on June 8. They spoke to us about 16 teachers who were in close contact with the affected teacher and suggested they must be put in self-isolation. The teachers didn’t come to school today,” he said.

Stoffels told the Advertiser most of the teachers who have been sent for self-isolation are foundation phase teachers, so they apparently didn’t go near the Grade Seven learners.

“I am still waiting for confirmation from the health department if the learners will also be tested for Covid-19. We will disinfect the admin block, the classrooms and toilets on June 9,” he said.

Meanwhile, the principal also told parents that during the lockdown the wash basins were broken and pipes were stolen, but they are attending to the matter.

Stoffels urged parents not to spread false rumours but must contact the school whenever they hear something they are not sure of.

The academic programme at the school continued as normal on June 9.

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has since announced that 38 schools in the province have reported Covid-19 cases.

According to Lesufi, a number of positive teachers has been reported by the Department of Health.

“These cases arose prior to schools reopening for teachers. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, we have arranged for urgent decontamination of all such schools,” Lesufi said.