KZN schools see spike in Covid-19 cases
There is no need to suspend classes for 14 days each time a positive case has been reported, says Zikalala
KWAZULU-NATAL has recorded an increase in the number of positive Covid-19 cases in schools.
This was announced by Premier Sihle Zikalala in Durban on Sunday, who said the number of infected people in schools increased to 187 last week, of whom 139 were teachers and 37 pupils.
Seventy-four cases had been reported the previous week – 57 teachers and 13 pupils.
‘As we see the number of confirmed positive cases increase every day across the country, we must obviously expect a rise in infections in schools as well,’ Zikalala said.
The latest statistics come as schools prepare to receive more pupils next week as part of the Department of Education’s phased reopening.
uMgungundlovu district is currently leading in terms of the number of infected teachers.
‘What is critical now is effective management at schools to minimise risk and curb further spread.
‘The Department of Health will assess the situation at every school where a positive case has been reported. This will include giving advice on whether everyone needs to be tested or only a limited few who had close contact with the infected individual,’ said Zikalala.
He added there was no need to suspend classes for 14 days each time a positive case was reported.
‘It should not take the Department of Education more than three days to decontaminate an affected school and allow teaching and learning to continue,’ he said.
Latest statistics
The median number of cases reported in KZN is now at 30 daily.
Almost all the districts have shown an upsurge of cases since the beginning of June.
Notably, uMgungundlovu district reported more daily cases than Ilembe, and now occupies the second spot in terms of the provincial infection rate.
District breakdown of positive cases
eThekwini: 4 524
Ilembe: 889
uMgungundlovu: 877
uThukela: 351
King Cetshwayo: 260
Ugu: 232
Amajuba: 184
uMkhanyakude: 79
Harry Gwala: 130
Zululand: 77
uMzinyathi: 73
Unallocated: 110
Total: 7 786
Non-compliance to health protocols
The premier has warned that even though KZN continues to maintain a rising, but stable curve, the province cannot afford to become complacent.
‘It has come to our attention that despite the restrictions on mass gatherings still in place, some people have begun congregating in large numbers to participate in family feasts, parties and religious gatherings, among others.
‘This failure to take heed of the regulations could have serious consequences and will not be tolerated.
‘Our law enforcement agencies will increase efforts of monitoring compliance with the Level 3 regulations,’ Zikalala said.
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