THE Basic Education Department says the first two days of the matric exams went well without any major incidents throughout the country.
The Class of 2020 sat for English Home Language, First Additional Language and Second Additional Language Paper 1 examination on Thursday and Afrikaans on Friday.
Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, said five provinces (KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo) experienced Covid-19 cases and these were handled well within the hygiene protocols, as stipulated by the Health Department.
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In KwaZulu-Natal, three learners reported their diagnosis to the school authorities and used a separate gate to enter the school premises. They were accommodated in a separate isolation room and provided with an invigilator, who observed the health and hygiene protocols at all times.
“We are encouraged by the level of maturity and responsibility shown by our candidates in KwaZulu-Natal,” said the Minister.
According to the health and hygiene protocols, the invigilator sits five metres from the leaners in a well ventilated room.
Upon completion of the examination, the invigilator uses latex gloves to put the answer sheet in a sealable plastic bag. The plastic bag is then sanitized and put with the rest of the batch.
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