100 Pretoria school learners in isolation after ‘undisclosed’ positive case

The Department of Education urged parents to disclose learners’ Covid-19 status after about 100 Hoërskool Waterkloof learners were placed under quarantine.

“Allegedly, the learner and his or her parents failed to declare his or her status to the school,” said the department’s spokesperson Steve Mabona.

According to him, the school reported that a grade 11 learner tested positive and that parents and school management were not made aware of this.

“All the children who were in close contact with the said learner were advised to isolate.

“We are monitoring the situation. We call upon parents to always act responsibly and comply with Covid-19 regulations at all times,” he said.

A Hoërskool Waterskool parent, who wished to remain anonymous, told Rekord that the school placed learners who had tested Covid-19 positive, as well as suspected cases, in isolation at a pavilion last Friday for break times and homework period.

But, they claim, the school, however, allowed them to walk around freely the rest of the time.

The school’s spokesperson, Annette Grobbelaar, denied these claims.

“As soon as a learner indicates that he or she feels sick, they are immediately removed from class to quarantine, which is next to the pavilion. This is far away from any classrooms. The learners are then evaluated and have to wait until their parents can pick them up. They are not allowed to go back to class at all.”

Grobbelaar said aside from existing safety regulations, the school management team decided to put extra precautions in place for this week and cancelled all activities.

“The tests for the week have also been cancelled to accommodate the children in isolation.”

Grobbelaar said the school had not received any complaints from parents.

“The school management and governing body do everything in their power to keep learners and staff safe,” she said.

“The school’s highly qualified and experienced medical sciences team, which is also the Covid-19 team, does an excellent job in ensuring the school complies with all national regulations. From early mornings to late afternoons, the team is on duty to ensure the safety of learners and staff.”

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