The number of Covid-19 infections at Western Cape schools has doubled since reopening last week.
On 1 June, 37 staff members at 32 schools tested positive for the virus.
On Monday, the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that this number has doubled, with two pupils and 66 employees testing positive for the deadly virus at 55 schools.
The WCED says the pupils, one from Cape Town and the other in the Cape Winelands, were infected prior to arriving at their schools.
The Western Cape opened schools a week before the rest of the country.
On Sunday, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga announced that 95% of schools in the other provinces were ready to welcome back Grade 7 and Grade 12 pupils.
RESUMPTION: Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirms the newest infections: “As of last Friday, the WCED had received two reports of learners who were infected before arriving at school this week, and have since tested positive.
“One case is allegedly in Metro East, and the other in the Cape Winelands.
“In terms of educators, this past week we have received reports from our education districts that there are 55 schools and 66 employees that have been confirmed as positive for Covid-19.”
On Sunday, Turfhall Primary School dispatched a letter to parents confirming that one of their teachers had tested positive for the virus and that the school would be closed for decontamination.
CASES: WCED’s Hammond
However, Hammond says that the WCED would not be identifying any schools where there are positive cases in order to protect the identity of teachers and other employees.
She says all schools affected by Covid-19 need to follow protocols.
“Whenever an employee or learner tests positive or is exposed to someone who has tested positive, the necessary protocols are followed.
“Schools have been provided with the guidelines on cleaning, as well as what to do when there is a positive case of Covid-19 in a school or if someone has been in contact with a positive case of Covid-19.
“Those who have been in close contact (e.g. handshake or hug) with a confirmed positive case are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
“Those not in close contact do not have to self-isolate.
“If there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 then the school is required to contact the district for assistance,” Hammond says.
Meanwhile, Education MEC Debbie Schäfer said on Sunday that 11 schools have been closed due to sanitisation being undertaken yesterday.
Two other schools were closed as a result of water-related issues.