Since the third-term reopening of schools, the Northern Cape Department of Education reported three schools that needed to close down as a result of Covid-19 infections in schools.

The Free State province has seemingly also been hit hard by positive cases in schools this recent week, more especially in Bloemfontein. Free State Education spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, recently confirmed to OFM News that schools such as Grey College Secondary and Willem Postma Primary had to close down as a result of learners and teachers who tested positive at schools. Ndaba said that they are also waiting for the Department of Health to decide on what action should be taken regarding two other Bloemfontein schools, Dr Blok and Heide Primary, following recent reports of a spike in positive cases.

OFM News reported that a total of 39 learners, 28 Dr Blok learners and 11 Heide Primary learners who share a hostel, tested positive.

Meanwhile, the North West Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi, told OFM News that a total of 155 learners tested positive, however, no schools have been closed. Malindi further stated that learners who test positive are sent home to self-isolate and they communicate with teachers through WhatsApp for their school work, while the department also assists with their catch-up programme.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi