Recent COVID-19 developments and other updates

Dear colleagues

This campus announcement aims to inform the UCT community about recent Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) updates and other developments on campus.

1. Updates on UCT COVID-19 cases

UCT is pleased to report that the first student to test positive for COVID-19 at the university has now fully recovered. The student left self-isolation late last week.

Since the last update issued on 1 April, UCT has recorded one positive case of COVID-19. The staff member is currently receiving treatment. The process of contact tracing got underway immediately and all persons identified will remain in quarantine for 14 days.

UCT has now had seven cases of COVID-19 – four staff members and three students. This includes the two cases referred to above.

Updates on COVID-19 cases in the UCT community are now issued weekly.

2. Support for staff health and wellness

UCT is a close community, but one that is currently working and living under very unsual conditions as a result of COVID-19. UCT Human Resources offers many forms of support, including the coordination of services provided by the Independent Counselling and Advisory Services and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group.

• Read the VC Desk: Support for staff health and wellness.

3. Research and postgraduate work during lockdown

Challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic provide great uncertainty and anxiety for many researchers who are unable to proceed with aspects of their projects for the moment and have time-limited funding. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Sue Harrison has provided updates on what UCT is doing to support the research project and tips on how to continue your work

• Read the DVC Desk: Research and postgraduate work during lockdown.

4. No on-campus flu vaccines in 2020

Please note that Discovery Health and Kaelo will not be booking employer events this year to do the flu vaccines as they have been asked to channel these to high-risk members and will be doing them at point of service. Please visit the Discovery website to view high-risk criteria. Members who do not meet the criteria can still have a flu vaccination with the cost paid from their medical savings account should there be funds, or privately.

Although the onsite UCT clinic is closed during the lockdown, Kaelo (primary healthcare services provider for staff in pay classes 2 to 6) is providing free flu vaccinations for members with registered chronic conditions until 30 June 2020 (subject to availability and as per policy). They will also be covering the cost of the pathology test (up to a maximum of R1 400) for confirmed positive COVID-19 cases.

To access these services, Kaelo members can phone their Kaelo primary healthcare network doctors.

• Visit the Discovery website to view high-risk criteria and services available.
• Visit the Kaelo Cares page to learn more about Kaelo services.

5. Tips on how to create a comfortable home workspace

Suzanne Key, occupational health nurse practitioner at UCT’s Safety, Health and Environmental unit in Properties and Services shares a few tips on how to set up your workspace at home and on staying healthy during lockdown. These include practical workstations to avoid discomfort, the importance of a routine and regular exercise, and how to curb unhealthy snacking.

• Read the article: Creating a comfortable home workspace.
• For more tips and to stay informed about COVID-19 visit the UCT COVID-19 page.

6. Council nominations 2020-2024

Members of the UCT Convocation and donors are invited to nominate persons for election as members of the university Council for the 2020-2024 term. The current Council’s term of office will end on 30 June 2020. Nominations must be received no later than 23 April 2020.

• Read the call for Council nominations by members of Convocation.
• Read the call for Council nominations by donors.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements