The Provincial Department of Education says close to 390 000 learners, including grade R, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10  and 11 learners across the province are expected to return to schools on 6 July. This comes as the first batch of about 60 000 grade 7's and 30 000 grade 12's made it back to school on 8 June. Their return comes after schools across the country shut their doors in March to fight the spread of the coronavirus - which has so far claimed the lives of 9 people in the Free State.

Meanwhile, the departmental spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, says since the reopening of schools learning and teaching has been valuable to the department. Ndaba says the reopening of schools has taught the department some important lessons on key areas that need attention.

He says that the department will continue to implement the phased approach. "We are pleased that the implementation of the health and safety protocols in our schools are working. Through the measures put in place, we have been able to identify learners, teachers and auxiliary staff with flu-like symptoms or even Covid-19 itself..." he adds.

Recently a group of disgruntled people believed to be members of the student movement Congress of South African Students (Cosas), removed school learners from their classes over fears that they will contract the virus.

"At the meeting with Cosas, the Free State Department of Health emphasised that infections can be prevented if everybody wears their masks, keep physical distance, wash hands, sanitise and stay safe," he further adds. 

The education department, which has not been seeing eye-to-eye with Cosas, further brushed off the Cosas' call that all learners should be tested for Covid-19.

Ndaba further states that "it is inconceivable that Cosas is still opposed to the reopening of schools even after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that many other sectors are going to reopen. In essence, Cosas is suggesting that parents should go to work but leave their children behind. We urge Cosas to join our efforts to encourage learners in our schools to practice basic hygiene."

Schools across the province are said to be complying with all Covid-19 regulations and the department says this is encouraging.

 OFM News