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The University of Cape Town (UCT) has developed a framework to identify which students and staff may return to campus on an invitation-only basis in a phased-in approach under lockdown Level 2.
As outlined by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, depending on the size of the institution, no more than 66% of students will be allowed to return to campus and residences.
The new regulations have been instated provided that students and staff can be safely accommodated and supported in line with the health and safety guidelines enforced by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Returning students
All students must undergo a 10-day self-quarantine period upon returning to residences. Dining halls will remain closed and the Jammie Shuttle bus service will be limited. All, with the exception of one computer lab, remain closed and UCT Libraries continue to operate virtually.
All departments have identified those staff whose work necessitates that they be on campus. Those staff have been granted access to campus, on condition that they undergo daily health screening and adhere to strict protocols. All other members of staff have been asked to continue working from home.
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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.
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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.