School contact sports stopped immediately
MBOMBELA - The council of education ministers has decided to suspend all contact sports in schools with immediate effect.
The decision was taken in a virtual meeting held on Wednesday. The announcement was made in a press statement by the Department of Basic Education (DoE), on the same day.
Non-contact sport training in schools can continue provided that all social distancing, hygiene and safety measures are observed and that there is no physical contact between participants.
Earlier this year, after the reopening of schools and consultations with education stakeholders, the Department of Basic Education gazetted directions allowing non-contact sport, sports related activities and school-based art and cultural activities to resume without spectators, subject to adherence of safety measure.
Further, on February 12, minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga, gazetted directions on school sports and extra mural activities, non-contact sport, sports related activities and school-based art and cultural activities to resume subject to health and safety protocols.
During the last week of term one, school sports activity related Covid-19 outbreaks in Gauteng were reported and have been gradually increasing in term two.
“It is evident that despite following the protocols as guided by the directions on extramural activities and standard operating procedure on the prevention, containment and management of
Covid-19 in schools, contact sports events still contribute to the spread of the virus.”
“The department will continue to monitor the situation. A Government Gazette will be issued with the notice in the coming days,” it stated.