While the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Northern Cape is approaching the 500 mark, 11 schools in the province have been temporarily closed due to positive cases.
Geoffrey van der Merwe, spokesperson for the Northern Cape Education Department, says four schools were closed last week – Duineveld High School in Upington, Delta Primary School in Vosburg, JJ Booysen Primary School in Loxton and the Kimberley Christian School.
Schools previously closed for disinfection are Carnarvon Primary School, Enoch Mthetho Secondary School and Ikhwezi Lokusa Primary School in Noupoort, Phillipstown High School, Zingisani Primary School and Veritas High School in De Aar and Beacon Primary School in Kimberley.
The Beacon Primary School and the Zingisani Primary School have already reopened their doors. The rest will open soon.
Van der Merwe says it is important to note that only a few cases have been reported in these schools, but that in such a case the department is acting preventively by closing and disinfecting immediately.
“We also work with the health department to find contacts.”
Van der Merwe says the department will also ensure that teachers and pupils receive the necessary psychosocial support.
“We are constantly monitoring the situation in all our schools and are following all the systems and regulations to prevent the spread of the virus.”
The Northern Cape Department of Health said on Wednesday night there were 494 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the province.
The 29 new cases have been reported in the following municipal areas:
• Sol Picture: 12
• Ga-Segonyana: 3
• In the vein: 1
• Renosterberg: 1
• Thembilihle: 2
• Ubuntu: 3
• Red: 4
• Kgatelopele: 1
