SAMA: Covid-19 positive matrics eligible to write exams
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has given the green light for grade 12 pupils, who've tested positive for Covid-19, to write their exams after they've passed the 10-day quarantine period.
Earlier this week, the Department of Basic Education allowed pupils diagnosed with the virus to be allowed to write in isolation.
Three Covid-19 positive matric pupils in KwaZulu-Natal sat for English Paper 1 on Thursday, while four other provinces also reported cases among pupils.
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) is not happy with this arrangement and says it will take it up with authorities.
But SAMA chairperson Angelique Coetzee says if a pupil doesn't develop any symptoms post-quarantine, they should be allowed to write.
"It's totally different if the patient has got symptoms and are acutely sick, we are not talking about those people, those people should not be allowed to write exams.
"If they are not sick and only had positive tests, no symptoms, did your self-isolation, then there is no reason why you should not write your exams."
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This followed an announcement on Thursday that matric pupils who test positive for Covid-19 may still write their exams . They will write exams at a separate venue following an agreement between the Departments of Health and Basic Education.
