Thursday, 26 March

26 March 2020

18:30

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:

Read the  DVC's Desk.


16:20

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.

Read the full DVC’s Desk.


10:45

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.

Read the full COO’s Desk.


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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.