Schools prepare to reopen
Monday sees the return of teachers to public schools, ahead of the resumption of class for Grade 7 and matric learners on June 1.
On Tuesday, Angie Motshekga, the Minister of Basic Education, outlined the arrangements for the staggered reopening of schools.
Schools closed abruptly in March as early cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in South Africa.
There has been mixed reaction to their reopening, with some parents saying they would prefer to keep their children at home.
While all teachers, with the exception of those over 60 or with underlying medical conditions who may continue to work from home, must return, irrespective of the grade they teach, Motshekga did not give a back-to-school date for the return of other grades.
She said a revised school calendar would be gazetted soon. It would indicate the opening and closing dates and holidays.
A document on the department’s website outlines health and safety protocols schools need to take in order to minimise the risk of spreading Covid-19. These include the distribution of masks to children, temperature checks three times a day, screening of those with any symptoms, classes of no more than 20 and no sharing of desks.
Break times will be staggered. Play and sports areas will be out of bounds.
Children are advised against hugging and other physical contact with one another, and may not share lunches, stationery or other items. Good hygiene must be practised at school, including hand sanitising at the entrance to reception and classrooms. Classrooms and bathrooms must be cleaned regularly.
If a learner has been exposed to the virus, they should self-isolate for two weeks, while in the case of a teacher, the relevant officials will decide on the required measures.
Read the full story on: IOL.