CoronavirusSA: What parents need to know regarding school closures

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This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the outbreak of Covid-19 a national state of disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act.

As a result, all schools in South Africa will be closed from Wednesday the 18th of March 2020-14 April 2020

Minister for Basic Education Angie Motshekga says schools, in particular, have been identified as one of the biggest threats in terms of the transmission and the drastic step was taken to ensure that measures are put in place to mitigate the impact.

Notes on School Closures:

1. Schools will resume on the 14th of April unless the situation changes.
2. Department is losing 10 school days as a result of the school closures and therefore the June holidays will be cut short by a week.
3. It must be noted that this directive affects ALL schools; public ordinary schools, independent schools, and private. Each province, district, circuit and school must have a practical and comprehensive catch-up plan to be implemented.
4. All mass events of more than 100 people scheduled for March and April will be postponed or cancelled with immediate effect.
5. The activities include the South African School Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE), all school sports programmes and assemblies.

Notes to Parents:

Follow the directives from the President and the Minister; read the circular and share the content with parents.

Be vigilant and look out for symptoms of fever (more than 38 degrees Celsius), coughing and shortness of breath.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Practise safe cough etiquette. Cough or sneeze into your flexed elbow or into a tissue and immediately dispose of the tissue in a safe place e.g.bin.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as well as handshakes
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, spaces and areas of the school.
Identify, isolate and report learners, teachers or support staff showing symptoms especially if they have had contact with, or have travelled to highly affected countries as reported by the WHO.

Motshekga says we are in an extraordinary situation and the decree by the President is binding on everyone.