Limpopo education department concerned about the number of coronavirus cases at schools

NYAKALLO TEFU| 

The education department in Limpopo says it is seeing a sharp increase of reported Covid-19 cases in the at schools particularly in the Capricorn District.

This comes as the country is in the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, recording over 13 000 cases in the past 24 hours.

53 learners at Marobathota High School in Limpopo tested positive for Covid-19 last week which resulted in the closure the school.

“The school was closed last week for deep cleaning, with lessons initially set to resume on Monday 21 June 2021,” said spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene.

Chuene said however, the department decided that the school remain closed until Thursday 24 June 2021.

READ: Basic education minister says not to worry about the return of school children to full-time classes

In Noordeland High School in Polokwane, six learners tested positive, while at Selelo Primary in Blouberg, six educators tested positive.

Last week, the education department in Limpopo reported that 31 learners and 16 educators tested positive in the Waterberg District.

“We are concerned about the situation at all schools that are reporting positive cases and we will continue to monitor them closely,” added Chuene.

Despite the high number of Covid-19 cases, schools across the country will remain open as announced by Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga.

“We are not insensitive to concerns raised about the rising infections, we need to continue to handle Covid cases according to the differentiated strategy on a school-by-school basis,” said Motshekga. 

The department of education in Limpopo has called for increased vigilance and strict adherence to sanitising, wearing of masks properly and maintain the required social distance.

READ: Malema gives Motshekga seven days to shut down schools as Covid-19 cases rise in children