Amid rising fears of a third wave of the coronavirus outbreak, education authorities in South Africa have banned contact sports in schools.
So far, South Africa with a population of 60 million has recorded just over 55 500 Covid-19 related deaths since the outbreak hit the country about a year ago.
Just as the country this week embarked on its Phase Two vaccination rollout, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced the ban “with immediate effect” of contact sports.
“This decision was taken this morning,” Motshekga said on Wednesday – just three days after the vaccination rollout began.
She said contact sports were contributing to the spread of the virus.
“It is evident that despite following the protocols as guided by the directions on extramural activities and standard operating procedure on the prevention, containment, and management of Covid-19 in schools, contact sports events still contribute to the spread of Covid-19,” said Motshekga.
Non-contact sports are still permitted in schools.