LIMPOPO – The premier reaffirmed the phased reopening of schools as from 1 June, and said infection areas of concern are being monitored closely
While most districts in Limpopo will be ready to move to lockdown level three come 1 June, some areas will remain on level four given the high Covid-19 infection rate.
This was announced by Limpopo Premier, Chupu Mathabatha earlier today during a virtual press conference, which followed a meeting by the Provincial Covid-19 Command Council held yesterday. The provincial infection rate rose to 121 positive cases, while only three deaths have been recorded and 48 patients have recovered. The Sekhukhune, Capricorn and Waterberg districts remain the areas with the highest infection rates, while four million Limpopo residents have been screened for the virus thus far, the premier stated.
Limpopo Government, he said, was particularly concerned about the Sekhukhune area, which has, since the positive Covid-29 diagnoses of 19 mine workers last week, seen a spike in infections. A high-level medical team including Cuban doctors will be sent to monitor the area. The Command Council expressed itself on the situation, resolving that every person who works on the mines must be screened and tested, and placed in compulsory quarantine if necessary, failing upon which the plant should be closed with immediate effect.
Limpopo to quarantine mine workers who hail from Covid-19 epicentres
The premier said a technical team has been formed, comprising the MECs for Health, Economic Development, Public Works, Treasury, Education, Health, Treasury, the Director-Generals and respective HODs and the Minerals Department and CEO’s of mining houses, and will meet every Thursday to map the way forward.
Mathabatha confirmed the phased-in opening of the province’s schools from 1 June, starting with Gr 7’s and Gr 12’s. Details of school readiness will in due course be communicated by the Education MEC, he said. The DA had expressed concern regarding the availability of Personal Protective Equipment for all learners, and questioned how social distancing would be ensured in schools that are overcrowded. Further concern was expressed in regard to the 90 schools that had been damaged by storms in recent weeks, while some 472 schools have no other sanitation facilities other than pit toilets. Many schools have no access to water. There are continuous engagements with Water Affairs and Sanitation to speed up the supply of tankers and borehole rigging. The premier also said he had received assurance from a national level that water and mobile toilets would be made available.
The premier urged citizens of the province to take all the necessary precautions against Covid-19. “Scientists have warned us that the months of August to November may be the most difficult ones in Africa and in South Africa in particular. We are pleading with all citizens: if government gives us rules and regulations, let us adhere to them.”
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