Republikein Newspaper

A learner tested positive for the novel coronavirus at the Namib High School in Swakopmund on Monday.
This was confirmed by Namib High School principal Roosmarie September. She explained that the school was informed on Monday that a grade 11 learner had tested positive for Covid-19.
Social media were abuzz on Tuesday afternoon, with rumours stating that the parents sent the child to school knowing that the learner was positive.

“Unfortunately, people who have no interest in our school have already taken this issue completely out of context. However, after consultation with the ministry of health and social services and the directorate of education, we were informed that there is no need for the school or hostel to close down. The two halls where the grade 11s are writing their examinations will be disinfected on Tuesday afternoon,” the principal responded.
September explained that the school operates in a bubble system, keeping the grades separate so the learners may continue with class and examinations.

“This is according to the ministry of health. As a precautionary measure they have also requested that all the grade 11 learners be tested. However, I want to stress that learners will only be tested with the parents' consent.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and panic that this might cause, but we assure you that we will continue to put all safety measures in place here at school.”

The principal reiterated once more that learners should be kept at home if members of the same household are tested positive or if the learner is a primary contact of a positive tested person.

“I appeal once again that as parents you need to inform the school when a parent/child/household had been exposed to Covid-19, so that we can make the necessary arrangements at school. This is part of the standard operating procedures, and all parties are urged to remain calm and continue practising the necessary Covid-19 safety protocols.”
This is the second incident at the school, after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19 in August. Fortunately, the school and hostel did not have to close down, as the positive diagnosis was received 14 days after the staff member was last on the school premises.