Education
(a) How many schools in the Drakenstein region have been affected by COVID-19 positive cases and (b) what was her Department’s response in this regard?
(a) 25 Schools have been affected as at 26 June 2020 (latest reporting date). This includes schools in Paarl, Wellington, Saron, Simondium and Gouda. Note: this includes schools where affected individuals have already recovered from the virus.
(b) Whenever a learner or staff member tests positive for Covid-19, a detailed protocol – Guideline L – Managing Covid-19 cases in schools. Briefly, the process is that the affected individual must self-isolate for 14 days, the direct contacts must also isolate for 14 days from last contact with the affected individual, and the area(s) where the affected individual was present must be sanitised. This may or may not require the school to close temporarily – the decision is made on a case by case basis.
In addition, the WCED has provided cleaning and sanitising materials for regular preventative cleaning at schools, as well as digital thermometers for screening and two masks per learner and staff member. Detailed guidelines on the safety protocols to be followed at schools have also been sent to schools, and these guidelines can be viewed at: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/back-school
