SAPA Return to School Statements

Summary

The South African Paediatric Association (SAPA) supports the government’s position that children should return to school on 1 June 2020. There is uncertainty about the future trajectory of COVID-19 in South Africa, with more infections and a long duration being predicted. Children biologically contain SARS-CoV- 2 better than adults, are less likely to get sick if infected, have milder disease, are unlikely to die from COVID-19, and are probably less infectious than adults. Although children are at higher risk of being infected once at school, this additional risk to themselves and others is outweighed by the benefits of them returning to school.

For the full statements please click below:

SAPA media letter (School return)

SAPA School Return Position Statement