While COVID-19 infections continue to increase, more learners are expected to go back to school, and the Department of Basic Education has issued a set of directions signed by Minister Angie Motshega to further provide clarity and guidance on a variety of matters affecting the basic education sector in the COVID-19 environment.
In a statement released, the Department of Basic Education emphasized that schools have to adhere to the minimum health, safety, and social distancing measures and requirements and stated that it will continue to monitor the return of learners to schools with a sharp focus on safety for all.
“We will continue to work hard in schools to make sure that we protect our learners, teachers, and employees within schools. It is important to work together to ensure that we beat the virus,” said Motshega.
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“The Department is working hard to make sure that all schools are COVID-19 compliant before it can receive learners. What is also important is to ensure that even during school hours and beyond we stick to the basic requirements of wearing the mask, sanitize, wash hands and keep physical distancing”, she added.
She urged members of the community to refrain from visiting schools as that also increased the risk for more infections.
The department confirmed the date of July 6 as the date for grades R to 3, Grade 6, 10, and 11 to go back to school. Schools of Skill, Years 2 and 3, Schools for Learners with Severe Intellectual Disabilities (“SID”), Grades R, 1, 2, 3 and final year (Occupational), Schools with Learners with Severe and Profound Intellectual Disabilities (“LSPID”), Years 1-3; and Schools with autistic learners, Junior Group (below 13 years) and final year (18 years and above) were also confirmed to go back on July 6.
The remaining grades 4, 5, 8, and 9 will be the last group expected back on August 3.
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