DURBAN - Grade 12 and Grade 7 pupils throughout South Africa returned to school at the beginning of this week, June 8. Many schools in the country are attempting to get students used to the new Covid-19 regulations. However, there have been a few reports throughout the country that some schools have been closed again due to staff or learners contracting the virus.
A day after the reopening, June 9, Apollo Secondary, a school in Chatsworth, had to reclose its gates as a teacher had tested positive for Covid-19. The teacher that tested positive was not present at school on Monday, June 8. However, as a precautionary measure parents were informed to keep their children at home.
R Hirchan, Apollo Secondary School governing body chairperson, had issued a letter to the parents informing them of their children’s first day back and that a teacher had tested positive for Covid-19. The letter also mentions that staff members would be tested for the virus on Tuesday, June 9, with the Department of Health being present at the school to advise further on the matter.
In the letter, R Hirchan said: "The said educator was in school till Thursday, when she fell ill at home in the evening. On reporting to school last week, the educator was mostly confined to the staff room, and admin areas which is thoroughly sanitized and cleaned on a daily basis. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this decision may cause and will keep you informed daily of the latest developments. Our thoughts and prayers are with this educator and her family at this trying time."
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