Schools closed due to COVID-19 outbreak

CALVINIA. – Schools in Calvinia closed due to COVID-19 outbreak.

Four schools in the Calvina area has closed due to an outbreak of COVID-19.

Schools closed due to COVID-19 outbreak

Lehuma Ntuane, head of communications: Department of Health, says the department has taken the decision to close the schools for the interim.

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“This precautionary closure of the schools is as a result of COVID-19 outbreak reported in the Calvinia area which has already affected Hantam High School, Hantam Primary School, Calvinia High School and Calvin Primary School respectively. The schools will remain closed for the 10 days with effect immediately. This will allow for an extensive mass testing of both learners, educators and support staff of the four respective schools by the Department of Health.”

Total of 36 positive cases

He says a total of 36 positive cases were reported to date which includes educators, learners and support staff at schools. The Department of Education is liaising with the Department of Health to handle the situation in Calvinia and provide the necessary support and testing.

“We are pleased with the fact that the Department of Health has already allocated health workers to schools and are already busy conducting mass testing to curb a further spread of the Coronavirus.”

Curriculum catch up plan

The Department will develop a curriculum catch up plan to recover the lost teaching and learning time while the affected schools are being disinfected. The Department will also continue to monitor the situation very closely and urge parents to remain calm and keep all learners in isolation.

“We must ensure that wearing of masks remain compulsory in public, social distancing is maintained, sanitise and wash hands regularly.”

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