GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - New regulations regarding the reopening of primary schools and measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of Covid-19, are leaving educators with more questions than answers.
The amended directions published in the Government Gazette on Friday 28 May indicate that:
- All primary school learners (Grades R to 7) must return to the daily attendance and traditional timetabling model from 26 July 2021.
- All special school learners (Grades R to 12) must return to the daily attendance and traditional timetabling model from 26 July 2021.
The directions state: “Where practicable, a primary school, a school for learners with special education needs that returns to the traditional timetabling model and school hostels must comply with the social distancing, minimum health and safety measures on Covid-19, as contemplated in these directions, the DBE Standard Operating Procedures and the Regulations.”
This is exactly where the confusion starts. The one metre physical distance has not yet been revoked in any official writing and the new regulations are quiet about this.
At this stage, the one metre physical distance should still be applied until there is official exclusion.
Director of the Eden and Central Karoo Education District Jewel Jonkers said the Western Cape Department of Education has enquired for further clarity from the Department of Basic Education about this and is awaiting their response.
“We will communicate with the public as soon as we have more clarity on the matter,” said Jonkers.
Director of the Eden and Central Karoo Education District Jewel Jonkers.
High schools are to continue using a differentiated timetabling model according to capacity and resources, and are to maintain a physical distance of at least one metre.
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