Only authorised students and staff may return to campus
07 July 2020 | Story Helen Swingler. Photo Lerato Maduna. Read time 2 min.
Only a small group of invited students and staff with letters of authority and HigherHealth app health clearance certification on their phones will be permitted to return to the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) campus.
As outlined in the recently released Return to UCT Policy Framework, there is no return to studying and working as normal. Those students and staff who have been invited and authorised to return to campus will have to adhere to strict health and safety guidelines and will be expected to sign an agreement of acceptance.
The Department of Higher Education and Training requires all those arriving on campus to complete an essential COVID-19 health questionnaire on the HigherHealth app. Students and staff will be required to show, on their phones, their health clearance certificate to Campus Protection Services officers when requested at the screening barriers.
Anyone who does not have a letter of authority or the requisite health clearance certificate on their phones will not be permitted to access the campus. Staff who need to return to campus daily will need to complete the health check app daily.
Please take personal responsibility for your health and the health of others. Do not return to campus unless you are specifically invited or you are designated as an essential service staff member.
Read the related process flows to help manage daily personal risks when returning to UCT campuses.
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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.