On Tuesday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga gazetted regulations on the dates for the return of other grades and operations of schools amid Covid-19.Grades R, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and 11 are expected to return from 6 July, according to the regulations. Remaining grades 4, 5, 8 and 9 will be among the last group expected back on 3 August.The department has also issued guidelines for schools wanting to deviate from the approach and phase-in grades earlier. It emphasised that schools would, however, have to adhere to the minimum health, safety and social distancing measures and requirements.
In a statement on Wednesday, the department said it would continue working with schools to protect pupils, teachers and supporting staff from being in danger.Motshekga urged the public to continue to not visit schools, arguing that visits increased the risk of more infections.
“We will continue to work hard in schools to make sure that we protect our learners, teachers and employees within schools. It is important to work together to ensure that we beat the virus.
“What is also important is to ensure that even during school hours and beyond we stick to the basic requirements of wearing the mask, sanitise, wash hands and keep physical distancing,” Motshekga said.