Covid-19: 775 schools and 523 learners affected

Term 1: 15 January – 18 March
Term 2: 8 June – 7 August
Term 3: 12 August – 23 September
Term 4: 5 October – 15 December

The Department of Basic Education confirmed 523 learners and 1 169 school staff members tested positive for Covid-19 with 775 schools affected since the reopening of schools.

In a media statement, the department said: “Schools have been temporarily closed and reopened around the country, in the past three weeks, to allow affected areas to be disinfected.”

“Just like clinics, police stations, shops, mines and other frequently visited places, schools have found themselves also having to close and reopen.”

Grades R, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and 11 return to school from July 6. This has a green light despite calls from teachers and unions to keep schools closed.

shows the breakdown of infections per province — The breakdown per province is as follows as at June 26.

The department calls on all schools to strictly follow health protocols and to ensure that pupils and employees are screened, using the Department of Health Covid-19 procedures.

“Learners and employees should report any of the following additional symptoms: body aches, loss of smell or loss of taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, weakness or tiredness.”

“Schools should ensure that pupils and employees are informed of the correct use of cloth masks, and that a risk assessment is conducted to identify employees needing PPE, the department said.

“They (schools) play an important role in the efforts to control the spread of Covid-19. Schools must therefore take steps to circulate information about the disease and its potential transmission within the school community.

Earlier this month, the department published the amended school calendar for 2020, highlighting the four school terms for 2020: