Friday, 11 September

11 September 2020
 

10:05

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has announced the plan for a phased return of more students to residences and campus from September 2020. This follows the higher education department’s guidelines allowing for a maximum of 66% of students to return to campus. National COVID-19 guidelines must be followed.

UCT has a four-phase approach.

  • Phase 1: final-year medical students (this has been implemented)
  • Phase 2: vulnerable students (the first cohort has been invited back to residence. Another two cohorts will be invited)
  • Phase 3: students who must be on campus to complete the academic year (in progress until October)
  • Phase 4: the return of all other students (circumstances permitting, and to be advised by UCT as guided by national regulations).

There will be one person per residence room. Health screening measures and personal protective equipment will be available.

Once Phase 3 is completed, 66% of UCT’s 7 700 students in residences will have returned; 4 200 in university residences and 900 in UCT-leased accommodation.

Return is by invitation only. Returning students must undergo a 10-day self-quarantine.

Read the VC 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.