North school closed after teacher tests positive
“Please be informed that we have a confirmed Covid-19 positive case in our school,” reads the school's WhatsApp message.
The Orchards Primary School in Akasia was expected to remain closed until further notice after a teacher tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week.
“Please be informed that we have a confirmed Covid-19 positive case in our school,” read a WhatsApp message sent by the school to parents and guardians on Tuesday.
“We are therefore advised to close the school until further notice.”
Decontamination and deep-cleaning was expected to be done on Friday, 3 July, according to school governing board member and South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) shop steward Abdul Mokgabudi.
Mokgabudi said learners sent home on Tuesday with letters informing parents and guardians about the school’s closure.
“The department could not comment on each individual [Covid-19] case,” said Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona when approached for the department’s comment.
READ MORE: Sinoville police station closed after officer tests positive
On Thursday, the Gauteng provincial command council’s weekly media briefing revealed 176 schools had been affected as at 30 June, with 108 learners testing positive and 311 teachers testing positive as well.
Meanwhile, national education department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the only way to stop the spread of the deadly virus was by ensuring every person adhered to the coronavirus safety requirements.
“It is in our hands to save our lives and the lives of others,” said Mhlanga.
“Government has put in place a whole range of measures, but eventually each individual must play his or her part.”
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