Covid-19 in my school – what awaits?
As circumstances differ from school to school, each case is determined on its own merit should a learner or teacher test positive for Covid-19.
POLOKWANE – During the last Provincial Command Council meeting, the MEC for Education, Polly Boshielo announced that a few schools in the Polokwane Municipality have recorded cases of Covid-19.
Departmental Spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene outlined the standard procedures for schools in dealing with Covid-19, as stipulated by the Department of Basic Education.
These, she said aimed to provide approved guidelines to prevent the spread of, and manage cases of Covid-19. “The school plan is designed to minimise the disruption of teaching and learning and protect learners and staff from the social stigma and discrimination surrounding the virus.”
Chuene says the department advises school staff and workers who show symptoms associated with Covid-19 to not go to work and instead take sick leave, in terms of section 22 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). Similarly, schools must advise parents to keep their children at home if they are unwell.
According to Chuene, the standard procedure for schools when there is a confirmed case, is for the school to engage the relevant public health officials to discuss the case, to identify people who have been in contact with the infected person and advise on any further actions or precautions that should be taken. “Public health officials, with the assistance of the relevant staff, will then conduct a risk assessment and give recommendations on the management of learners and staff.”
She adds that in most cases, closing the school is not necessary. “The decision to close will be specific to each individual school and the procedure thereof will be followed.”
The learner or teacher who shows symptoms of Covid-19, should be isolated and kept separate from other learners and staff until they can be assessed by a health professional. If it is a learner, the parents or guardians must be informed immediately. “Health authorities will be called to the school and will further advise on any action to be taken.”
She adds that if a learner has been in contact with a suspected case of Covid-19, no restrictions or special control measures are required until the test results have been received. “There is no need to close the institution or send learners or staff home.”
Chuene says it is important to deal with every case individually and on its own merit. “There is no blanket approach, as the circumstances of no two schools are the same.”
