More South African learners return to school despite corona virus surge

South Africa’s education ministry has continued with its phased reopening of schools despite the surge in coronavirus cases.

Grades R, 6 and 11 learners are returning to school on Monday, a month after final year students reopened.

There have been coronavirus infections among learners and teachers reported since the finalists resumed classes in June.

The Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said school administrators should continue following the guidelines.

She said 2,740 teachers and 1,260 learners had been infected with coronavirus since final year students resumed classes.

Some 11 teachers and three learners succumbed to the virus.

Some parents, learners and teachers have been calling for the closure of schools citing the rising number of coronavirus cases.

The country has been reporting thousands of new cases everyday, with the total number currently at 196,750 cases including 3,199 deaths.