Schools to reopen in May, MPs told

The department's director-general Hubert Mweli presented the plan to Parliament's education committee on Wednesday.

Mweli said the department is in the process of ensuring that all schools have the necessary water and sanitation to combat the outbreak of Covid-19. 

Schools have been closed since March 18 as part of the government’s measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

ALSO READ: Give health workers a tax break, asks Hospersa

Mweli told MPs that learners will be expected to wear cloth masks and practice social distancing. 

"Classrooms and staff rooms will be sanitised and all learners must be socialised on sanitising hands on entering and leaving rooms and limiting the movement between classes and in the playground.”

Schools will also need to ensure that pupils do not gather in groups of more than five. 

"Government will be responsible for learner transported provided for by us and transport provided for by parents which is a private arrangement, parents will have to ensure that the Covid-19 requirements are adhered to. We will be working with the Department of Transport to ensure that there is the enforcement of the Covid-19 requirements."

Mweli said while the department is confident that the academic year would proceed smoothly, it is aware of the risks if schools are not ready.