Western Cape: more than 370 learners test positive

More than 370 learners have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Western Cape since the reopening of schools in early June.

“This amounts to 0.1% of learners in the grades that have returned to class, and many of these children have already recovered. No deaths of pupils have been reported to the WCED,”  said Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schäfer.

The Department said that a total of 1 920 confirmed teaching and non-teaching staff have tested positive for Covid-19 since March 22, with 21 teachers and nine teaching staff passing away due to this.

This includes cases that were reported before schools re-opened, adding that the number of new weekly staff cases is currently decreasing.

“We offer our deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues in this difficult time. It is especially difficult when health restrictions limit our ability to mourn together,” said Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schäfer.

“As of last week, there were 333 active Covid-19 cases among Western Cape education department staff, equivalent to 0.8% of its complement,” said Schäfer.

She added that it was encouraging to see that the overwhelming majority of staff members who were infected have already recovered.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has been in consultations with relevant education stakeholders, as calls for schools to close continues to gain momentum. 

The minister is due to make an announcement on the matter this week.