GUIDE: How parents can check readiness of schools

With the phased-in approach of the reopening of South African schools set to begin on 1 June, education department officials have made assurances that they will ensure that all schools adhere to coronavirus safety precautions. In his provincial briefing Gauteng MEC for education, Panyaza Lesufi said parents could go and inspect the schools themselves ahead of the school reopenings.

Also Read: No visitors, 3 screenings a day – here’s Gauteng’s plan for schools reopening

Here’s a guide for what you should look out for during this site visit:

The school’s certificate of occupation

This certificate will be issued by the department of health once they deem that the school has met all Covid-19 safety precautions.

A maximum of 20 learners per class

This is for social distancing purposes with no clustering of desks.

That the school has a basic hygiene and sanitation package

The package has been developed, and provinces are procuring the critical items.  These, include cleaning and disinfection materials, personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitizers, hand-washing soap, gloves, cloth masks, and thermometers.

Wearing of masks

Masks are to be worn by both teachers and students. Pupils can expect to be provided with at least two masks a week, even though the department has asked that parents provide masks on the first day of school.

The wearing of these masks by the students who use scholar transport must be from when they are in the vehicle ( also must be sanitized daily.)

One entrance and one exit

To be able to conduct entry screenings the school must have only one entrance and exit so that all entering are screened.

Also Read: FEATURE: Covid-19 exposes the underbelly of South Africa’s education system

A fence around the school

This will tenure why can enforce the school no visitors rule which the department has said will be in place.

Sanitizing of classrooms prior to the start of the school day

Sanitizer dispensers. Teachers and students to have access to these in order to sanitize upon entry to classrooms as required.

Access to water

Portable water delivery to schools without a water supply to ensure handwashing.

Sealed off sports areas

Events that require the gathering of groups are still not permitted.

Temperature screening devices

Schools are expected to conduct three temperature checks throughout the day.

Isolation areas for kids with high temperatures

Youth brigade representative – They are unemployed youth to be brought in by the apartment to assist with monitoring social distancing.

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