GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Department of Basic Education's (DBE) proposal that social distancing in primary schools could be reduced from 1 metre to 0,5 metre does not make sense, says a local primary school principal.
He was approached for comment regarding the proposal which is aimed at creating a way for schools that are too small for 100% attendance under the current Covid-19 regulations, to open fully.
"It is a contradiction of the Covid-19 protocols that are applicable in other public places such as churches," said Wilbur Pedro, headmaster of Hibernia Primary School. At this school, 1-metre social distancing is not possible and classes are continuing on a rotational basis.
Another principal who wanted to remain anonymous said reducing the distance will not be safe.
"The current distance of 1 metre is already less than prescribed by the World Health Organisation. To reduce it further does not make sense, especially while contact sport events with no spectators are allowed. At least these take place in the open air. Although the science says that children do not easily get sick from the coronavirus, they can still spread it."
National Minister of Education Angie Motshekga said in a press conference in Mangaung last week that they are considering various actions that could enable as many learners as possible to safely return to school full-time.
"We are going to look at different measures, whether we use school halls, a platooning system (morning and afternoon teaching sessions) or outside spaces. The issues are around space and around extra hands to assist when we social distance. We want to see all the kids back at school, but while keeping them safe."
She said wide consultation - including with the Health Department and teachers unions - will be done before any decision on reduced social distancing measures can be made. She would like the process to be completed by the end of August.
Consultation
In a joint statement last week, five teacher unions said the DBE's plan will put teachers and pupils at risk. The Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU), National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa), National Teachers Union (Natu), Professional Educators Union (PEU) and South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) said the DBE had not consulted them in this matter, which should in fact be "the subject of genuine consultations".
They said it should be supported by scientific evidence that the social distance reduction will not lead to further infections among learners, educators and members of the broader community.
"No scientific evidence thus far has been provided to the unions in connection with the acceptability of such a reduction."
The unions said they are in favour of a return to the traditional timetables, but not "at the expense of compliance with the required health and safety protocols that the Department of Health has insisted on since 26 March 2020".
They have formally requested an urgent meeting with the DBE to discuss the matter.
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