Covid-19 hits more schools

The Limpopo Command Council said the province’s schools have a total of 14 cases of coronavirus infections with 10 being teachers, three pupils and one a school staff member.

The council has warned that the numbers may increase as the province was expecting to welcome more pupils in Grade 6 and 9 next week. By last Wednesday, the province had a total of 640 Covid-19 cases and five deaths.

According to the council, Sekhukhune still topped the list with 192 cases, followed by Waterberg at 139, Capricorn at 123, Mopani at 111 and Vhembe at 67. There are five unallocated cases and three in transit.

The Capricorn district had the most deaths at four, with one from Sekhukhune.

But the epicentre had shifted to the Mopani district with a higher rate of infection in 24 hours, according to the council.

It was reported during the meeting that the provincial department of education will need about 46 800 classes for the phasing in of about 963 000 pupils from Monday.

The department had reported a subscription to the Daily Rotation/ Alternative Model of teaching to 80% of all schools. The council said the application of this model would not affect Grade 12 classes, but all other incoming grades.

“Extra teaching plans have already been developed and will be implemented. High enrolment and combined schools will use any of the provided three models, as well as complying with all Covid-19 health and safety protocols,” said the council in a statement.

“But we have learnt of a few challenges of scholar transport, face masks and sanitisers which should be provided before Monday.”

It said more than 700 applications for comorbidities concessions were received by the department of education from mainly teachers, but only 400 were granted.

“They still experience fake medical certificates provided to applicants from a certain section of doctors. In this regard, the department urged members of the community and any other person not to visit schools for whatever reason during this period.”

The council reiterated recent statements by Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize that South Africans must brace themselves for difficult times ahead with a surge of Covid-19 infections.

The MEC for health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, said adherence to health protocols such as washing of hands, sanitising, wearing of masks and social distancing were essential and non-negotiable.

Meanwhile, learning and teaching resumed at William Kgatla Primary School yesterday, after angry parents nearly exchanged blows with security staff as they demanded the school to be closed last week after a teacher tested positive for Covid-19.