NYAKALLO TEFU
THE EASTERN CAPE Department of Education has confirmed that 29 schools were closed on Wednesday after some teachers, pupils and supporting staff tested positive for COVID-19.
The department said it is currently investigating 48 other schools for possible infections.
According to the department, 31 of the schools were in the Buffalo City Metro, which incorporating East London, King William’s Town, the Eastern Cape capital Bhisho and surrounding rural settlements.
“After advice from the health department on who needs to isolate and cleaning has been done, schooling can resume,” the department said in a statement.
The department has meanwhile called for calm among staff, pupils and parents, saying all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that schools are cleaned and are checked regularly for possible cases of COVID-19.
“Through our preparation and round-the-clock monitoring, we hope to keep it this way. We aim to save the academic year, while preserving lives,” the department said.
(Compiled by Inside Politics staff)
