With fears mounting concerning the gradual return of learners to schools while Covid-19 infections are escalating, the Gauteng Department of Education (DDE) discussed its protocol which will enable compliance at all schools.
As schools welcome back staff and some of its grades, reports of Covid-19 cases and complaints of social-distancing non-adherence from anxious parents are inevitable. However, GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona outlined to the Record what will be done should an individual at a school test positive.
“Whether or not lessons will be suspended at a school that has a Covid 19 case, will be determined by the outcome of the risk assessment conducted by the Department of Health (DoH) and GDE officials. They will ascertain whether the school is in compliance with DBE /DoH protocols for managing Covid-19 cases in schools,” he explained.
He added that the DoH is responsible to track and trace any close contacts and advise accordingly.
“The affected surfaces and areas are sanitized, and in some instances the school is closed for not more than two days for this process to be completed, depending on the number of the areas the infected person has accessed,” Mabona explained.
Should you feel that a particular school is not Covid-19 protocols compliant, contact the GDE on 011 355 1510 or the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) on 011 375 5911.
