Spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe confirms they are seeing a considerable decrease in Covid-19 infections. He says the department has recorded 213 infections since the start of the third term. Van der Merwe says three schools that had to close due to these infections have reopened on Monday and are pleased that teaching and learning continue. 

According to the Health Department, the province currently has over 72 900 confirmed cases, over 1 800 deaths, and over 65 000 recoveries. Schools in the province were, during the previous term, amongst those hit hard by the third wave of the Covid-19. Van der Merwe confirms they are pleased with how schools are complying with Covid-19 regulations and appeals to educators and support staff who have not vaccinated, to get their jab.

“The department indicated from the onset that only schools that can comply with the Covid-19 regulations and guidelines will be allowed to return to the normal timetable model. We will continue to safeguard the lives of our educators,  learners and non-teaching staff to always adhere to the Covid-19 regulations and non-pharmaceutical interventions,” he said.

He highlights that learners lost valuable learning and teaching time due to the pandemic and that the department is now implementing recovery plans to support all learners.

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