85 PERCENT ATTENDANCE IN GAUTENG SCHOOLS

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed that Gauteng schools recorded a 85% attendance of learners Grade 7 learners, matriculants and educators for the first day of reopening schools. 11 schools where deemed not to be ready to open today, 8 June 2020. One of the schools that did not open today is Eqinisweni Secodary School in Ivory Park.

The GDE says that schools that did not open due to infrastructure issues which are currently being addressed. Some Principals closed schools due to misunderstanding of scanners and screeners.

Any issues at our schools which in any way would impact on the safety of staff and learners are being managed. The Department is using alternative measures including temporary relocation of learners to neighbouring schools where challenges can not be immediately resolved.

COVID-19 Brigades have been deployed in schools around the province. Though GDE had successfully recruited COVID brigades, many of them are in the process of being deployed to schools.

“Its important to clarify that the brigades are an additional resource to the school but that other personnel have been assigned to deal with screening and other issues. One principal closed the schools arguing that there were no brigades to scan learner temperatures.”

Currently the GDE has recorded 39 COVID-19 cases from 38 schools and 38 cases under investigation.

carewell EMS continues to advocate for COVID-19 in our communities. Today, the Emergency Medical Service Provider based in Midrand donated 120 litres of Alcohol sanitizers and 250 face cloth masks to Grade 12 learners in Ivory Park Secondary School.