OFM News previously reported the Free State Education spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, confirmed that a total of 39 learners - 28 learners of Dr Blok and 11 learners of Heide Primary, who share a hostel - tested positive. In his report, he indicated that five learners do not reside in the hostel. Makgoe posted on Twitter that Dr Blok will only resume classes on 30 August 2021.

OFM News also reported on the Health MEC Montseng Tsiu’s concern regarding rising positive cases in school hostels. Tsiu said that the department is of the view that when pupils return to their hostels after school, they do not practise any non-pharmaceutical protocols. She said that five schools, including Grey College, recorded more than 60 Covid-19 cases. Tsiu said the Departments of Health and Education are now monitoring the situation at these schools with nurses educating and guiding the schools on the ground regarding the importance of non-pharmaceutical protocols.

Meanwhile, the Free State Department of Education has confirmed a total of 70 people who have tested positive at schools in the Fezile Dabi District. According to a statistics report that was released by the department, a total of 22 educators, 3 non-teaching staff and 45 learners tested positive from 16 August 2021 until 20 August 2021.

Classes at Heide Primary are continuing at this stage. 

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi