Sport and extracurricular activities, contact sport, non-contact sport, including training, intra- and inter-school matches and all arts and culture intra- and inter-school activities, may resume without any spectators.
Earlier this year contact sport at schools were suspended which brought mixed feelings among many.
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says various safety measures must be adhered to when resuming such activities, as contained in the directions.
While this is good news for many learners, the head of Department has asked schools to proceed with extreme caution.
“The WCED has been in consultation with the Western Cape Department of Health and while the province continues to see a plateauing of new Covid-19 infections, nearing the peak of the third wave, we are still seeing an increase in hospitalisations in public facilities and deaths province-wide. The protection of our critical care capacity is necessary,” says Hammond.
She says that at present, the spread of the virus needs to be reduced as far as possible and as such the return of contact sport and other activities is indeed a concern.
“The head of Department has also discussed this with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport who have agreed that schools are advised to act with self-restraint and caution with respect to these activities, at this stage.”
Hammond adds that the WCED has provided additional safety materials to schools ahead of schools reopening. “Should a school require additional safety materials, they must contact the District for advice, as has been communicated to them.”
