London, June 28, 2020 (AltAfrica)-A total of 2,245 people including 1 028 officials and 1 217 prisoners have been infected with coronavirus in South Africa’s prisons according to the latest figure released on Saturday by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS)

The Department said despite the high figure, it has seen a 74% recovery rate representing 1,663 recoveries. in Covid-19 in prisons.

Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the recoveries can be attributed to “the containment and treatment pillar of Disaster Management Response Strategy for Covid-19”.

“The remaining 559 active cases of which 57 involve inmates, will continue to get attention as we work towards attaining more recoveries,” he added

Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education says 523 pupils and 1,169 school staff members have tested positive for Covid-19.

Today we are in Phalaborwa where the Deputy Minister @ReginahMhaule and Limpopo Education MEC @PollyBoshielo are visiting schools in the area to monitor compliance since the reopening under the COVID-19 environment. @DBE_SA pic.twitter.com/b66YUsl9wW

— Elijah Mhlanga (@ElijahMhlanga) June 18, 2020

In a statement on Saturday, the department said 775 schools across South Africa had been impacted.

“Schools have been temporarily closed and reopened around the country in the past three weeks to allow affected areas to be disinfected,” it said.

“Schools, just like clinics, police stations, shops, mines and other frequently visited places have found themselves also having to close and reopen.

“This is in response to infections identified during the screening process and in line with health protocols on how to treat and environment with possible contamination,” the department adde

The department urged schools to strictly follow health protocols to manage Covid-19.

It called on schools to ensure that pupils and employees are screened using the Department of Health Covid-19 procedures and questionnaire.

“Learners and employees should report any of the following additional symptoms: body aches, loss of smell or loss of taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness or tiredness.”

Schools should also ensure that pupils and employees are informed on the correct use of cloth masks and that a risk assessment is conducted to identify employees needing PPE, the department said.

“Schools play an important role in the efforts to control the spread of Covid-19. Schools must therefore take steps to circulate information about the disease and its potential transmission within the school community.

News24