Pupils and teachers are getting ready to return to school, following the submission of The Department of Basic Education Covid-19 plan which allows the reopening of schools from the 6th of May. The department presented its Covid-19 plan for schooling to parliament’s portfolio committee.
The plan permits Grades 7 and 12 learners to return to school with the other grades to follow later on in the month. Mathanzima Mweli, Department of Basic Education Director-General said the screening of pupils and educators will be done at the re-opening of schools.
He said the school term will start on Monday, May 4 with the return of teachers.
Grades 11 and 6 will return on May 20
Grades 10 and 5 will return on June 3
Grades 9 and 4 will return on June 17
Grades 8 and 3 will return on July 1
Grades 2 and 1 will return on July 8
Grade R will return on July 15
“The department has developed guidelines for schools on maintaining hygiene during the Covid-19 pandemic. Teachers and pupils will have to sanitize hands before entering the classroom. The movement of learners in classes will be limited and there will be no clustering of desks in the classroom. The physical distance in the classroom will include not more than two learners sharing desks. Both teachers and learners are expected to wear masks at all times, “ said Mweli.
