Covid19 update: Angie Motshekga to reveal back-to-school plan
South Africans can expect clarity on the plan to reopen schools amid the second wave of infections. Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the Covid-19 pandemic.
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There is currently an immense amount of concerns over the planned reopening of schools.
Numerous entities feel that it is simply too dangerous to allow children to return to the classroom.
Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the Covid-19 pandemic below:
Source: UGC
1. Motshekga expected to update SA
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga is expected to address South Africans on Friday morning.
The politician will be updating the nation on the state of readiness of schools which are set to open on 27 January.
There are a number of calls to postpone the return to the classroom as the nation continues to endure the second wave of infections.
NAPTOSA has expressed their support for the reopening of schools but warned that now may not be the time.
Executive Director Basil Manuel explained why the teachers' union is reluctant, commenting that:
"Everyone now knows someone who has passed away and this has informed our decision to support a recommendation and all the unions were at one with it, that we said we need to delay the opening of schools until the peak has passed."
2. Mkhize on latest statistics
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has once again updated South Africans on the latest Covid-19 statistics.
In a statement released by the Department of Health on Thursday evening, Mkhize commented that:
"As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 296 806."
In addition to the latest number of infections, the Minister confirmed the recorded fatalities:
"Regrettably, we report 712 deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 97, Free State 21, Gauteng 114, Kwa-Zulu Natal 232, Limpopo 11, Mpumalanga 10, North West 50, Northern Cape 15 and Western Cape 162 which brings the total to 35 852 deaths."
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that the National Coronavirus Command Council wants the reopening of schools to be postponed until next month according to a recent report. T
Public schools are set to open on 27 January, but the NCCC is seeking to delay it to 15 February in the hopes that the second wave of infections would have subsided.
Wednesday saw many independent schools reopening while the majority of South African schools are slotted for reopening next week. News24 reports that the education sector met with the Department of Basic Education when the decision was reportedly communicated.
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Source: Briefly News
