Covid19 Policy

Download COVID-19 POLICY 2021 (149.13 KB)

POLICY– INFECTIOUS & COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

  1.  INTRODUCTION
    CityKidz Pre & Primary School strives to provide fair and equitable treatment for all pupils so as to encourage and support their learning and development at an optimal level. In addition, it is of vital importance to maintain the health, safety and welfare of all pupils and staff, as well as the community at large. 
    This policy outlines clear and actionable steps to be taken for safe operations through the prevention, early detection, and control of infectious and/or communicable diseases at CityKidz Pre & Primary School. The SMT ( School Management Team), in accordance with the guidelines and/or steps communicated by the President of South Africa or any relevant Health Authority, has the authority to implement the steps below to ensure the health and safety of all relevant parties.
  2.  RATIONALE
    It is the intention of CityKidz Pre & Primary School.to be vigilant in relation to the presence of any infectious disease and to ensure that the risk of infection to all staff, pupils, stakeholders and the school community is kept to a minimum by using the standard precautions and to ensure that staff, learners, stakeholders, parents/guardians and the school community are aware of these. In drafting this policy CityKidz Pre & Primary School complies with the provisions of:
    • The National Health Act 61 of 2003
    • The Disaster Management Act 61 of 2002
    • The State of Emergency 64 of 1997
  3. STANDARD PRECAUTIONS OF INFECTION CONTROL
    To fight against any infection, general high standards of cleanliness must always be observed, dust kept to a minimum and areas of use thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. Hand hygiene is widely acknowledged to be one of the most important ways of controlling the spreading of disease. Evidence suggests that many people do not use the most effective technique when washing hands. Staff are to continuously reiterate the importance of hand hygiene to pupils.
    ​Hand washing facilities are provided for all pupils and staff:
    • Hand basins, running water, liquid soap dispensers and hand drying facilities (of a disposable nature) are provided in all toilets, kitchens, and other food preparation areas.
    • Closed bins, for the disposal of any paper towels are provided in all toilets and kitchens facilities.
    • Hand washing facilities are maintained in a good condition and supplies of paper towels and soap are topped up regularly to encourage pupils to use them.
    • Cleaning staff are frequently reminded to check that soap dispensers.
    • Hand basins are at an appropriate height for staff and pupils of all ages.
    • Our mantra for learners:
      • Mantra for our learners
      • Keep – yourself at home if you are sick.
      • Keep – washing your hands for 20 seconds.
      • Keep – your physical distance from others.
      • Keep – away if you cough or sneeze and cough and sneeze into your elbow.
  4. PREVENTION AND CONTROL
    The SMT, in accordance with the guidelines and/or steps communicated by the President of South Africa or any relevant Health Authority, has the authority to implement the following when deemed necessary:
    USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
    1.  MASKS
      • As deemed necessary by the SMT, or at the instruction of the President of South Africa or relevant Health Authority, all pupils and staff of CityKidz Pre & Primary School will be required to wear protective masks when on the school property.
      • In the event that the aforementioned is required: 
      • The mask will be deemed a compulsory uniform item for pupils/staff for the duration of the period specified by the SMT, or at the instruction of the President of South Africa or relevant Health Authority.
      • Pupils/Staff failing to wear the correct mask, as authorized by the SMT will be dealt with in accordance with the relevant Code of Conduct relating to insubordination Infectious and Communicable Diseases 
      • The SMT will authorize which masks will be permitted.
    2. BODY TEMPERATURE ANALYSIS
      • All persons wanting to gain access to any facility of CityKidz Pre & Primary School may, as deemed necessary by the SMT - or at the instruction of the President of South Africa or any relevant Health Authority, be required to undertake a body temperature analysis prior to being granted access to any school facility.
      • Compulsory body temperature analysis will be conducted at all entry points to facilities of CityKidz Pre & Primary School.
      • Body temperature analysis will be conducted using non-contact thermometers which may include tympanic thermometers, infrared thermometers, and/or thermal scanners.
      • Persons with a body temperature of 38oC or above will not be granted access to any facility at CityKidz Pre & Primary School.
    3. SANITISING EQUIPMENT
      • All persons wanting to gain access to any facility of CityKidz Pre & Primary School may, as deemed necessary by the SMT - or at the instruction of the President of South Africa or any relevant Health Authority, will be required to sanitize their hands using an alcohol-based liquid as provided by CityKidz Pre & Primary School.
      • In addition, pupils and staff will be required to sanitize their hands upon entry/exit of all classrooms/venues.
    4. QUARANTINE PERIODS
      • Staff, parents/guardians, pupils or any stakeholder who contract an infectious and/or communicable disease – or who come into contact with persons infected with an infectious and/or communicable diseases, are required to inform the SMT of such so that  appropriate action can be taken to address the needs of the pupil and to ensure the safety and welfare of all other members of the school community.
      • As deemed necessary by the SMT, or at the instruction of the President of South Africa or relevant Health Authority, pupils/staff who are infected with an infectious and/or communicable disease – or who have been in contact with persons infected with an infectious and/or communicable disease, may be required to quarantine from CityKidz Pre & Primary School for a specified period as deemed necessary by the SMT - or at the instruction of the President of South Africa or relevant Health Authority.
      • During the abovementioned quarantine period, the pupil / parent / staff member will not be granted access to any CityKidz Pre & Primary School facility.
      • Subject teachers must ensure all work/homework is provided for the learner in quarantine.
    5. SOCIAL DISTANCING
      As deemed necessary by the SMT, or at the instruction of the President of South Africa or relevant Health Authority, all pupils, parents and staff of CityKidz Pre & Primary School may be required to observe social distancing which may include, but is not limited to:
      • Staggering the beginning and end of the school day.
      • Pupils’ desks are to be at least one and a half metres apart.
      • Cancellation of assemblies, sports/cultural events and other events that create crowded conditions.
  5. STIGMATISATION
    Stigma occurs when people associate a risk with a specific people, place, or thing – like a minority population group – and there is no evidence that the risk is greater in that group than in the general population. Stigmatization is especially common in disease outbreaks. Fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma. Stigma hurts everyone by creating fear or anger towards other people. At CityKidz Pre & Primary School it is important that learners are not subjected to social avoidance or rejection.
    At CityKidz Pre & Primary School it is important to raise awareness about COVID-19 without increasing fear.
    • Understanding the disease itself is important.
    • Getting the facts about COVID-19 from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) is imperative.
    • Building trust and showing empathy with those affected.
    • Pupils/staff who are infected must be protected from any form of stigmatisation after testing positive to the COVID 19.
    • Teachers must speak out against negative behaviours, including negative statements or the exclusion of children who pose no risk from regular activities.
  6. CONFIDENTIALITY
    Pupils, parents and staff have a legal right to confidentiality regarding their medical details. This confidentiality must never be breached by school personnel, except to healthcare professionals on a “need to know” basis. School staff should be aware that if they implement standard precautions at all times there should be no need to routinely disclose to them confidential information or sensitive diagnoses.
    All pupils, parents and staff have a right to be treated equally, without prejudice or discrimination. 
    Remember, everyone is in this together. The COVID-19 pandemic will be over sooner if fears and rumours are replaced by facts, proper action, and a show of support for one another.