UPDATE: COVID-19 IN SCHOOLS

22 AUGUST 2021

 

The Northern Cape Department of Education has experienced a resurgence in Covid-19 infections in our schools during the past week. There was a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections in schools compared to the previous 3 weeks.

 

The Department recorded 526 new Covid-19 infections, which includes 54 educators, 439 learners and 33 support staff at schools. We currently have 8 schools closed in the Province due to COVID-19 infections to allow for contact tracing and disinfection of the school premises to be done. Five (5) schools are scheduled to reopen on Monday, 23 August 2021. The pandemic is causing major disruptions in the education sector and the Department is deeply concerned about the loss of learning and teaching time.

 

Our District offices have developed curriculum recovery plans for those schools directly affected by the pandemic. The Department is currently running weekend lock-in and Saturday classes to support the Matric Class of 2021. This places an increased strain on our educators, learners and support staff at schools, to ensure that the trimmed curriculum is fully covered and learners are well prepared for the end of year Examinations.

 

The Department is doing our utmost best to support all educators and learners during these difficult times. We are all in this together, working under tremendous pressure and we will succeed if we continue to work together. Our school communities play a pivotal role to support the schools in their respective communities and we urge all to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations at all times. Let us support the Class of 2021.

 

End.

 

ISSUED BY THE NORTHERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION