19 positive coronavirus tests at schools after Cape Town nightclub ’superspreader’ event

Popular Claremont, Cape Town, bar Tin Roof. Picture: Facebook

Popular Claremont, Cape Town, bar Tin Roof. Picture: Facebook

Published Oct 13, 2020

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Cape Town – The Department of Health is only aware of 19 pupils from public schools who have tested positive for the coronavirus at a social gathering in Cape Town, says the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

News24 reported at least 47 high school pupils from seven schools in Cape Town had tested positive for the coronavirus after attending a “superspreader” event at a Claremont nightclub, Tin Roof, on October 3. It is alleged 32 of the pupils are in matric.

“The WCED has been informed by the Department of Health that there are a number of people that have tested positive for Covid-19 associated with a social gathering unrelated to school,’’ WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond told IOL.

’’The Department of Health has confirmed that 19 learners from public schools have tested positive for Covid-19. A tracing team from the Department of Health has contacted learners and is following up on close contacts.

’’It is important to reiterate the importance of preventative measures as Covid-19 is still with us. Social gatherings must be discouraged and health and safety protocols, including the wearing of masks at all events in public and the washing of hands and social distancing, must be adhered to.

“The WCED will reaffirm these precautions in correspondence to schools.”

Herschel Girls’ Secondary School head Heather Goedeke confirmed 13 of the school’s matric pupils who tested positive for the coronavirus were linked to the Tin Roof cluster.

It was claimed Rondebosch High had 11 cases linked to the Tin Roof event.

Tin Roof had promised cheap booze on social media ahead of the event.

A parent posted on Tin Roof’s Facebook page: ’’Tin Roof serving free Corona to all teenagers in the southern suburbs. Neighbour’s daughter was even able to bring home a takeaway.’’

IOL