Provincial education department spokesperson, Geoffrey Van Der Merwe, says the schools were officially reopened after undergoing a disinfection and deep cleaning processes following the confirmed cases.

Overall, 59 schools have been closed in the province since schools reopened countrywide at the beginning of June. Van Der Merwe acknowledges the closures negatively impact learning time, but says the disruptions are a necessary evil in the ongoing fight against the pandemic.

Thus far, 44 teachers and 35 learners have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Northern Cape. Van der Merwe says they “will continue, to follow standard operating procedures to the letter and consult with the department of health in line with the national COVID-19 regulations and guidelines”.

The provincial education department appeals to parents, educators and learners to practice good hygiene and maintain social distancing in addition to wearing masks.

At present, the Northern Cape has 1 142 active cases, which is currently one of the lowest infection rates in the country. There are 15 people who have lost their fight against the virus, whilst 508 have recovered.

The Frances Baard District Municipality, which includes the provincial capital city Kimberley, is the epicentre of the virus in the vast province. The Pixley Ka Seme District remains second in the province in terms of the number of cases, but reported the highest number of new cases in the province on Wednesday – 46 new positive cases.

OFM News