City school faces Covid crisis

BOIPELO MERE STAFF REPORTER

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Education is investigating allegations regarding a lack of transparency around increasing Covid-19 cases among teachers at a Kimberley high school and the alleged failure to close the school for decontamination.

This follows concerns that six teachers at the school have tested positive for Covid-19 since it reopened for the start of the second term this week.

According to complaints received, one of the teachers, who rotates classes on a daily basis, was rushed to hospital after experiencing shortness of breath on Wednesday morning.

It is also believed that an administrator was sent home after her sister tested positive for the coronavirus.

Three pupils were meanwhile also apparently sent home due to being “suspected Covid cases”.

Several teachers have raised concerns that the exact number of Covid cases at the school is not being revealed to all staff members.

Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Lehuma Ntuane admitted yesterday that the department is concerned about Covid-19 cases in the Frances Baard District.

Ntuane said the department is encouraging all schools to take precautionary measures to curb any possible spread of the virus in school communities.

“Schools also have a responsibility to report any suspected case of Covid-19,” said Ntuane. “All our schools are expected to comply with all Covid-19 regulations and protocols at all times.

“As a department, we are monitoring the situation in our schools,” assured Ntuane.