Dear colleagues and students
Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, recently wrote to the community about the role that each one of us can play in limiting the spread of COVID-19 as we move to Lockdown Level One. As students and staff members begin to return to campus, there is a natural tendency to assume that life at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has returned to normal. Unfortunately, that is not the case. So it is important that we use every available opportunity to remind people how critical it is to follow the three basic protocols of wearing a face mask, social and physical distancing, and washing/sanitising hands and surfaces.
Please refer to the attached document which provides useful information about returning to campus and contacts, and UCT’s health and safety protocols.
It is our individual and collective community responsibility to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus by being compliant and assisting others to be compliant.
Sincerely
Dr Reno Morar
Chief Operating Officer
Chair of the COVID-19 Co-ordinating Committee
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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 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.
UCT’s Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) collaborated with Global Citizen, speaking to trusted experts to dispel vaccine misinformation.
If you have further questions about the COVID-19 vaccine check out the FAQ produced by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF). The DTHF has developed a dedicated chat function where you can ask your vaccine-related questions on the bottom right hand corner of the website.
IDM YouTube channel | IDM website
The University of Cape Town in partnership with the Western Cape Government (WCG) have reinforced our commitment to bringing hope to the residents of the Mother City with the launch of the world‑class Community of Hope Vaccination Centre that opened its doors on Monday, 30 August 2021.
The site is located on Main Road in Mowbray – in the Forest Hill Residence – and access is from Broad Street. The site is open every Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:00 and on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. Please allow time for attending to COVID-19 protocols and arrive as early as possible at the vaccination centre.
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.