By Staff Reporter
In a bid to lessen the rate of COVID-19 transmissions in communities, the Northern Cape Department of Education the Department of Health assembled an urgent joint meeting this week to discuss the rapid increase in COVID-19 infections in schools. The Departments are concerned about the resurgence of COVID-19 infections in the Province and its impact on schools.
Currently, seven schools, six in Namakwa and one from John Taolo Gaetsewe districts are closed due to COVID-19. Mass testing and contact tracing is underway in these schools to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Incidence Management teams are doing their best and have availed all the necessary resources to contain the virus.
Testing for Covid-19 has increased by 55% compared to the previous week to improve detection of new cases and isolate those identified as positive.
The increase in new cases can be attributed to the Easter weekend, where people lowered their guard in adherence to non-pharmaceutical measures. According to the Department of Health, this resulted in 903 new cases last week compared to 462 in the previous week (96% increase).
The National Institute for Communicable Disease’s report showed an increase in COVID-19 cases in the Province. The departments believe that a proactive response is necessary. Members of the public are cautioned about potential increased exposure to Covid-19 due to non-adherence of non-pharmaceutical measures.
With the school holidays approaching, parents are advised to monitor their children’s movements. It is envisaged that the school holidays can increase the number of infections further as learners, educators and parents go on holiday, inside or outside the Province.
Citizens are reminded that the country is still in the National State of Disaster; therefore are expected to adhere to COVID-19 regulations and guidelines.
Residents are urged to implement non-pharmaceutical methods to curb the spread of COVID-19, by wearing masks in public, regular washing hands with a sanitiser or soap and maintaining a physical distance of at least 1.5 meters.
Both Departments have agreed to meet regularly to discuss ways to control the spread of the virus in the school environment. District managers from both departments will meet weekly to discuss emerging matters and how to respond. At a Provincial level, there will joint bi-weekly meetings to monitor and assess progress.
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