At least 37 school children have tested positive for Covid-19 after going to a jol in Claremont over the weekend.
Premier Alan Winde on Tuesday called for an investigation after it emerged the laaities had been to a “super-spreader” event at the Tin Roof nightclub in Claremont on 3 October.
“Our contact tracing teams have been able to identify 63 cases linked to a bar/club in the Southern Suburbs,” said Winde.
“We have been informed that the required regulations and the required safety behaviours were not adhered to in this case.
“There are some other concerning allegations around this event, and we are now requesting a full investigation into this bar/club in question – including by SAPS and the Western Cape Liquor Authority.
“Preliminary data indicates that of the 63 cases detected to date, 37 are learners in matric who attend various schools in the Southern Suburbs, most of them private.”
According to government’s lockdown Level 1 regulations, nightclubs are closed to the public.
However, bars and shebeens may operate, allowing up to 50% of the capacity of the venue, with patrons observing a distance of least one and a half metres from each other.
Western Cape Department of Education spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said: “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 gatherings unrelated to the school.
“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.”
She urged parents and pupils to adhere to lockdown regulations as “Covid-19 is still with us.”
Herschel Girls School Head Heather Goedeke confirmed 13 of the school’s matric pupils, who tested positive for Covid-19, were linked to the Tin Roof incident, while it was claimed Rondebosch Boys High School had 11 cases.
Tin Roof had promised cheap booze on social media ahead of the event, including 2-for-1 beers, R10 sours shots, and R20 Vodka mixers.
The post read: “Limited capacity, come early to avoid disappointment.
“Covid regulations apply. If you are feeling sick, please stay home and stay safe.”
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.”
Tin Roof owner James Truter has issued a media statement, saying the bar is “Covid-compliant” and has followed all hygiene protocols including temperature scanning.
Patrons and staff are required to wear masks and hands must be sanitised while buying drinks.
Truter said he was not prepared to put the bar or customers at risk; “practically” all staff – including his sons – have been tested and it is “utter nonsense” that the venue has been blamed for negligence.
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