MEC to engage parents of Martin Primary on Covid-19 concerns
Learner attendance at the school dropped significantly since Wednesday
The attendance of learners at Martin Primary School in Boksburg has dropped from 1 050 to only 303 on Friday following reports that a parent at the school could have the coronavirus.
On Wednesday, minister of health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, confirmed a new case of the coronavirus in Gauteng. It was confirmed that the new case was a parent of two children at this school, said Steve Mabona, spokesperson for Gauteng Department of Education, on Friday afternoon.
Also read:
• Primary school in Boksburg operating as normal amid coronavirus report
As soon as the parent went for the test he isolated himself and his family while awaiting the test results.
“At this point our school health officials, working with the Gauteng Department of Health and NICD are adequately attending to this matter and following all protocols in the management of this situation,” said Mabona.
“The academic programme at the school will continue as normal on Monday, March 16, unless otherwise advised.”
Gauteng Education acting MEC Jacob Mamabolo will on Monday visit the school to interact with parents and provide school health officials, Gauteng Health and NICD with a platform to address parents to allay their fears and advise on a way forward.
“Subsequent to a parent notice which was circulated on Thursday, March 12, through the school communication platform, parents are keeping their children at home,” said Mamabolo.
“It is important to engage parents on this matter and pave a way forward.”
