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Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002)

Notices

Directions regarding the re-opening of schools and measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in the National Department of Basic Education, all Provincial Education Departments, all Education District offices and all Schools in the Republic of South Africa

8. Symptom screening

 

(1) Symptom screening must be conducted at offices or schools in accordance with the Department of Health Guidelines.

 

(2) Any person who enters an office or school must be screened, to ascertain whether they have any of the observable symptoms associated with COVID-19, namely fever, cough, sore throat, redness of eyes, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.

 

(3) Any person who suffers from the symptoms referred to in subdirection (1) or who experiences additional symptoms of body aches, loss of smell or loss of taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness or tiredness, while at the office or school, must immediately report such symptoms to the compliance officer or designated official.

 

(4) If a person presents with the symptoms referred to in subdirection (1) or (2), or informs the compliance officer or designated official of these symptoms, the office or school must—
(a) not permit the person to enter the premises; or
(b) if the person is already on the premises of a school or office—
(i) immediately isolate the person, and require that person or, in the case of a learner, advise the parent or guardian, to make arrangements to be transported in a manner that does not place any other person or members of the public at risk, either to be self-isolated or for a medical examination or testing; and
(ii) assess the risk of transmission, disinfect the area and any official's, educator's or learner's workstation, refer those persons who may be at risk for screening and take any other appropriate measure to prevent possible transmission.

 

(5) If there is evidence that the official, or educator contracted COVID-19 as a result of occupational exposure, lodge a claim for compensation in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, 1993 (Act No. 130 of 1993) in accordance with Notice 193 published on 3 March 2020, if applicable.

 

(6) If any person has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and isolated in accordance with the Department of Health Guidelines, an office or a school may only allow the return of such person to the office or school on condition that he or she has undergone a medical evaluation confirming that he or she has tested negative for COVID-19.