What happens if there is a COVID-19 case in a school?

What happens if there is a COVID-19 case in a school?

Infections increase by the day around the country. More schools close as teachers and learners test positive for COVID-19. 

COVID-19 spreads to schools in South Africa

What to do if you test positive for COVID-19?

If you test positive for COVID-19, don’t panic. Try to put yourself in a calm state. Stay at home, do not go to school or any public area. If you were in contact with anyone, make sure you let them know that you tested positive.

It is important to let people know so that they can get tested and monitor themselves. 

Most people who get the virus recover at home. If your symptoms get worse, make sure you let your healthcare provider know.

What happens if there is a COVID-19 case at your kids’ school

Parents are allowed to keep their children at home during this worrying time. Parents need to make sure that they have the learning material their child needs. 

COVID-19 is spreading and parents should prepare. If there is a positive COVID-19 case at your kids’ school, check if your child is feeling well. If your child shows symptoms, get medical help and try to keep your child away from other people in the house.

Only one person should care for the child, this prevents the virus from spreading. Sanitize and clean parts of the house that get touched a lot.

How will lost school days be made up?

Catching up after lockdown?

Minister of Education, Angie Motshekga stated before lockdown began that schools might have to extend hours. The department of Education has created a curriculum that allows learners and teachers to make up for lost time. 

Schools have managed to come up with different ways to catch up. Some schools never stopped teaching during lockdown. These schools continued teaching through online lessons. Other schools have added more hours in a school day since schools reopened.

Will school holidays be cancelled?

The department of Education has released a new school calendar for the year. The calendar has 7 days for holiday for the rest of this year. The school year has been shortened due to lockdown. It is no surprise that there are only 7 days for school holidays. Even though the school holiday is short. It seems as though schools will close from time to time due to the rise of infections.

COVID-19 shuts more schools as pupils, teachers test positive

204 pupils test positive at EC school

204 people tested positive for COVID-19 at a school in Eastern Cape. The school might be turned into an isolation facility due to the number of infections. A team of health experts were sent to the school hostel for inspection.

56 schools in Gauteng have reported cases of COVID-19

South African premier, David Makhura stated in an interview that he does not want schools affected by the virus to close for a long time. Positive cases are growing at a fast pace in Gauteng. The premier stated that the government is coming up with a plan to control the spread of infections before these schools reopen.

When a learner or teacher tests positive for COVID-19, rules have to be followed. As infections increase, more schools have closed down. When a school closes because of a positive case, the school has to be cleaned and disinfected.

Can I go to school or work

If you test positive for COVID-19. You need to stay at home. People infected with COVID-19 are not allowed to go to work, school or any public area. Staying at home helps you save the lives of your friends, family and the greater community.

Author: Omega Fumba 
Date Published: 20 July 2020