Gardenia Primary learner tests positive for Covid-19
School resumed this morning (Monday,15 June) and a tracking and tracing process will be used to identify whoever was in close contact with the infected learner.
A GRADE 7 Gardenia Primary School learner tested positive for Covid-19 last week.
This was confirmed by principal John Olivier in an official newsletter to parents over the weekend. “I was informed by a Grade 7 parent that her child had tested positive for Covid-19. Her child, unfortunately also suffers from a chronic medical condition. The learner attended school on Tuesday and Wednesday this past week and is currently hospitalised. I immediately informed my circuit manager and later the Head of Durban Central CMC,” he said.
He stated that staff had taken the necessary precautions in preparing the school for the arrival of learners last week (8 June) and ensured that all protocols were in place and were followed. “Everyone was screened daily by our two health workers, learners wore masks throughout the day, hands were sanitised and social distancing was strictly observed. The school is disinfected daily.”
School resumed this morning (Monday,15 June) and a tracking and tracing process will be used to identify whoever was in close contact with the infected learner. Parents of those identified learners will be required to fetch them immediately to self-isolate for 14 days.
The matter has sparked controversy and concern regarding the school remaining open, among parents and community members. Wentworth Combined School Governing Bodies (SGB) Forum spokesperson Clint Leverton, shared: “I am not satisfied with the measures that are in place. If the safety measures were so effective, we would not be sitting with so many cases nationwide. Ever since schools reopened we have seen the number of Covid-19 cases moving at a very steep upward trajectory. We’ve got 28 teachers and five learners who have tested positive in KZN schools alone. As the Wentworth Combined SGB, we still maintain that schools should not be open especially as we approach the peak.”
“While we made every endeavour to make our school as safe as possible, for everyone during this pandemic, this unfortunate incident was beyond our control. Be assured that we will continue to do our utmost to make our school safe for everyone,” concluded Olivier.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. For any comments or queries, contact the National Group Editor, Irma Green at irma@caxton.co.za or the Legal Adviser, Helene Eloff at helene@caxton.co.za.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
