The Department of Education in the North West Province, Tuesday, 16 June 2020, confirmed 4 new coronavirus cases in the province’s schools. This is after the province had already announced 8 cases the previous day.

The new cases include a principal and three teachers. According to the provincial department, all four education staff were requested to self isolate to limit the spread of the virus.

Department of Education North West Spokesperson Elias Malindi indicated that the affected schools will be temporarily shutdown to undertake the standard procedure of deep cleaning and disinfecting. In a clarity seeking effort, The VIP Team spoke with the tithe spokesperson, further confirmed that the province’s schools are burdened with 12 COVID-19 cases.

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We asked the spokesperson if contact tracing is under way and if progress is being made.“The Department has been tasked with collaborating with the Heath Department to seek out the novel virus within our school environments. This is done through consistent screening and test in the school premises. When a positive case is found all ties are handed over to Health Department for further implementation of directives. These directive include contact tracing.” Said Malindi. He confirmed that the areas or schools affected are at this not to be announced to the public. This efforts are to protect infected and affected persons from being stigmatized.

” I wish to render a warm message of comfort to our staff members who contracted the Coronarivus.This is hard hitting to us as the education community because our teachers are our core drivers towards advancing quality education. We really wish them strength and perfect healing,”

Maphefo Matsemela, MEC for Education in the North West Province .

-The VIP Team

-NW Education