The provincial Department of Education's spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, confirms that there has been a resurgence in Covid-19 infections in schools during the past week. 

He says there was a sharp increase in Covid-19 infections in schools compared to the previous three weeks. 

Van der Merwe adds that the Department recorded 526 new Covid-19 infections and currently eight schools are closed with five schools scheduled to reopen on Monday 23 August 2021. 

Those who tested positive for the virus include 54 educators, 439 learners and 33 support staff at schools.

"The pandemic is causing major disruptions in the education sector and the Department is deeply concerned about the loss of learning and teaching time. Our district offices have developed curriculum recovery plans for those schools directly affected by the pandemic. The Department is currently running weekend lock-in and Saturday classes to support the matric class of 2021," he adds.

Van der Merwe further says the increase in the number of infections place an increased strain on the educators, learners and support staff at schools.

"The Department is doing its utmost best to support all educators and learners during these difficult times. We are all in this together,  working under tremendous pressure and we will succeed if we continue to work together. 

"Our school communities play a pivotal role to support the schools in their respective communities and we urge all to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations at all times. Let us support the Class of 2021," Van der Merwe alluded.

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