From masks to desk screens: How unions see physical distancing working once schools reopen
In his presentation, Mweli said that the department had also developed a basic and essential hygiene and sanitation package for schools, and different provinces were procuring items needed to ensure safety at schools.
These products included cleaning and disinfection materials, personal protective equipment, sanitisers, hand soap, gloves, cloth masks and thermometers.
The department will be conducting a phased-in resumption of schooling, with tentative dates being 4 May for teachers and 6 May for the first group of pupils, Grade 7 and 12.
At least 400 mobile classrooms have been procured to ensure there was no overcrowding, the department told the committees.
Mweli also said that upon schools reopening, screening for both teachers and pupils will be done and anyone who presented with a high temperature would be sent for isolation and testing.
Basic Education Deputy Minister Makgabo Reginah Mhaule said the presentation was subject to the approval of the National Command Council, where Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga was currently presenting the plan.
The department is also planning to trim and reorganise the curriculum for all grades, excluding Grade 12, and, in doing so, will retain fundamental skills and concepts for each grade.
Every lesson would also be expected to have at least five minutes of teaching awareness on the Covid-19 pandemic.
Motshekga, along with her higher education counterpart Blade Nzimande, were expected to hold a media briefing on Thursday after Monday’s one was postponed.
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