Education dept issues guidelines for schools on coronavirus
The Department of Basic Education has issued a set of guidelines for schools to follow amid the global coronavirus outbreak.
Four new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the country on Thursday, bringing the tally up to 17.
A number of schools temporarily closed their doors since last week after South Africa recorded its first confirmed case of Covid-19.
Cowan House Preparatory School in KwaZulu-Natal closed for a day when news broke that two of its pupils had been in contact with patient-zero.
READ: Coronavirus: SA COVID-19 cases rise to 17, first local transmission confirmed
Grayston Preparatory School in Gauteng also had a scare of its own.
In a statement, the department says schools are expected to "establish procedures to follow when learners and staff become sick at school or arrive at school sick, as they should be sent home as soon as possible”.
The statement adds: “All close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case are required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days while being monitored for symptoms. They may not attend school."
The department also urges schools to ensure regular cleaning of facilities.
Download the full statement here.
