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The declaration of a national lockdown has once again required changes to our planning for teaching and learning at the University of Cape Town (UCT) during the coronavirus pandemic.
Following sector consultations, universities have agreed that there will be a sector-wide date for the reopening of academic activities on 20 April. Taking this into account, the schedule for Term 2 (weeks 6 to 12 of the first semester) will now be as follows:
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During these uncertain times, the University of Cape Town (UCT) remains committed to providing support even while you are not on campus and under conditions of self-isolation. We acknowledge that current national and global conditions may create some levels of stress and anxiety. There are two important principles that guide us. First, that we continue to support you to remain healthy, physically and mentally; and second, that operations should continue virtually and online, where possible.
For example, the following support services remain available to you.
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During the countrywide lockdown only essential services will remain operational on campus. These services will be operating within strict protocols.
Campus Protection Services (CPS) will monitor all buildings utilising CCTV cameras, and emergency response vehicles will be on patrol. Designated buildings will be on full or general lockdown, with limited access. CPS officers will cordon off UCT-owned roads to divert traffic to managed access points to control entry.
Properties and Services requires all UCT premises to be vacated by students and staff by 12:00 on Thursday, 26 March.
With effect from midnight on Thursday, 26 March, all UCT staff, students and essential services requiring access to university buildings must have a letter of authority from their respective dean or executive director, approved by the chief operating officer.
While Information and Communication Technology Services and maintenance teams will be in operation for the duration of the lockdown, custodial services – including cleaning, gardening and postal services – will not.
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COVID-19 is a global pandemic that caused President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a national disaster in South Africa on 15 March and implement a national lockdown from 26 March.
UCT is taking the threat of infection in our university community extremely seriously, and this page will be updated regularly with the latest COVID-19 information.
Getting credible, evidence-based, accessible information and recommendations relating to COVID-19
The Department of Medicine at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, are producing educational video material for use on digital platforms and in multiple languages. The information contained in these videos is authenticated and endorsed by the team of experts based in the Department of Medicine. Many of the recommendations are based on current best evidence and are aligned to provincial, national and international guidelines. For more information on UCT’s Department of Medicine, please visit the website.
To watch more videos like these, visit the Department of Medicine’s YouTube channel.
As the COVID-19 crisis drags on and evolves, civil society groups are responding to growing and diversifying needs – just when access to resources is becoming more insecure, writes UCT’s Prof Ralph Hamann.
03 Jul 2020 - 6 min read RepublishedThe Covid-19 crisis has reinforced the global consequences of fragmented, inadequate and inequitable healthcare systems and the damage caused by hesitant and poorly communicated responses.
24 Jun 2020 - >10 min read OpinionOur scientists must not practise in isolation, but be encouraged to be creative and increase our knowledge of the needs of developing economies, write Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, vice-chancellor of UCT, and Professor Thokozani Majozi from the University of the Witwatersrand.
09 Jun 2020 - 6 min read RepublishedSouth Africa has been recognised globally for its success in flattening the curve, which came as a result of President Ramaphosa responding quickly to the crisis, writes Prof Alan Hirsch.
28 Apr 2020 - 6 min read RepublishedIn an email to the UCT community, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said:
“COVID-19, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, is a rapidly changing epidemic. [...] Information [...] will be updated as and when new information becomes available.”
We are continuing to monitor the situation and we will be updating the UCT community regularly – as and when there are further updates. If you are concerned or need more information, students can contact the Student Wellness Service on 021 650 5620 or 021 650 1271 (after hours), while staff can contact 021 650 5685.