NOORD-KAAP. – Die departement van onderwys in die Noord-Kaap het in die afgelope week 264 positiewe Covid-19-gevalle by skole opgeteken. Geoffrey van der Merwe, woordvoerder vir dié departement, sê die departement monitor die gevalle van leerlinge, onderwysers en personeel en doen sy bes om die verspreiding van die virus in skole te verminder.
“The Northern Cape Department of Education is taking the necessary precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in our schools. We have witnessed a sharp increase in the number of infections not only in our communities, but also in our schools. All schools follow and implement strict Covid-19 regulations to limit the spread of this virus.
During the past week, the Department recorded 264 positive cases at schools. It is worth noting that this total represents 180 learners, 62 educators and 22 support staff at schools. All Districts are affected in this regard and this has a negative impact on learning and teaching.
We have seen a consistent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases over the past three(3) weeks, which led to the disruptive opening and closure of schools. Since the 1st of May 2021, 79 schools have been closed to allow for disinfection and the immediate isolation of appropriately identified staff and learners .
A total of 61 schools have already successfully reopened, whilst 18 schools still remains closed. The Department continues to monitor the situation at our schools very closely and intervene where needed to emphatically address the concerns of educators, learners, support staff and parents.
These statistics are a clear indication for all school communities to be extra vigilant and to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations at all times. The Department requires the unwavering support of each and every parent during these difficult times. Collectively, we must provide the necessary support to all our learners to ensure successful learning. Whilst schools are still making use of differentiated timetables and rotating learners daily, parents also need to provide support at home. Schools will also implement recovery plans where learners would be expected to be at schools for extended hours to make up for the learning losses . Each and every child matters and all of them must succeed. We urge parents to ensure that their children participate in these support programmes.
We especially acknowledge and thank our educators and support staff for their resilience and determination to lessen the ravages of this pandemic. As a Department we remain grateful and honour you for the sacrifices made and the commitment displayed at all times. Our children need us now more than ever to guide and protect them through this storm. We further call on all school communities to work with the Department of Education as well as with the Department of Health. We are all in this together and we’ll be able to win this battle, if all of us work together. Let’s continue to wear our masks, wash or sanitize our hands and maintain social distancing at all times.”
