UCT confirms second COVID-19 case
19 March 2020 | From Kgethi
Dear colleagues and students
I am sharing with you that we have confirmation of a second staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19.
This brings the confirmed cases at our institution to a total of two.
The staff member is not connected to the first and is now in self-isolation for the next two weeks under supervision of the National Department of Health.
Contact tracing has already begun to identify the people who were in close contact with the person and they are all asymptomatic. They are in quarantine at home and are being monitored.
The Dean has communicated to the members of the specific faculty. We have also immediately closed the building.
We wish our colleague affected a speedy recovery and strength to all during the quarantine period.
I urge all students still on campus to go home and the members of staff to remain vigilant in terms of social and physical distancing and to follow good hygiene practises.
Please do visit UCT’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 feature page on the UCT News website, which has all the relevant information in relation to the pandemic.
Sincerely
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Vice-Chancellor
Updates will be posted on UCT’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 feature page on the UCT News website.
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UCT’s response to COVID-19 in 2021
COVID-19 is a global pandemic that caused President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a national disaster in South Africa on 15 March 2020 and to implement a national lockdown from 26 March 2020.
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. Please note that the information on this page is subject to change depending on current lockdown regulations.
Commemorating a year of COVID-19
At midnight on 26 March 2020, South African went into the first nationwide hard lockdown. A year later, we remember those who have died and those who have been affected by COVID-19, as well as the pandemic’s effects across society and campus. We are especially grateful for the front-line health workers who have done so much for so many.
Frequently asked questions
In 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.