Campus updates
Friday, 16 October
16 October 202010:05
The University of Cape Town (UCT) would like to inform staff and students about a recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases on and around campus.
The Western Cape Department of Health has identified cluster outbreaks of COVID-19 in the southern suburbs (currently 63 cases), and at least three UCT students have tested positive for COVID-19 in these outbreaks. We have also noted several smaller cluster outbreaks.
It is therefore more important than ever that you continue safe health practices.
The World Health Organization warns us about the “Three Cs” to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in different settings:
- avoid Crowded places
- avoid Close-contact settings
- avoid Confined and enclosed spaces.
The Student Wellness Service has received reports of UCT students who have returned to their residences after the curfew that has been set for lockdown Level 1. Violating the curfew without good cause does not demonstrate the kind of care we need to show one another, especially during this time.
When we invited students to return to residences, we explained that they would need to follow all the necessary health and safety protocols at UCT. Residences are places where people have a strong possibility of passing on the virus, so it is especially important for every student and staff member to follow the rules to reduce the chance of spreading infection.
If you are a student and you have any of the symptoms mentioned in the COVID-19 guidelines, please contact the Student Wellness Service immediately for healthcare support.
Although the country has moved to lockdown Level 1, staff and students are still advised and encouraged to follow three basic actions: wear a face mask, ensure safe physical distancing, and sanitise or wash hands and surfaces regularly.
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UCT’s response to COVID-19
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 with the latest COVID-19 information. Please note that the information on this page is subject to change depending on current lockdown regulations.
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, has in June 2022 repealed some of South Africa’s remaining COVID-19 regulations: namely, sections 16A, 16B and 16C of the Regulations Relating to the Surveillance and the Control of Notifiable Medical Conditions under the National Health Act. We are now no longer required to wear masks or limit gatherings. Venue restrictions and checks for travellers coming into South Africa have now also been removed.
Read the latest document available on the UCT policies web page.
Campus communications
2022
UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre
On Wednesday, 20 July, staff from the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Health Sciences came together with representatives from the Western Cape Government at the UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre at Forest Hill Residence to acknowledge the centre’s significance in the fight against COVID-19 and to thank its staff for their contributions. The centre opened on 1 September 2021 with the aim of providing quality vaccination services to UCT staff, students and the nearby communities, as well as to create an opportunity for medical students from the Faculty of Health Sciences to gain practical public health skills. The vaccination centre ceased operations on Friday, 29 July 2022.
With the closure of the UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre, if you still require access to a COVID-19 vaccination site please visit the CovidComms SA website to find an alternative.
“After almost a year of operation, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Community of Hope Vaccination Centre, located at the Forest Hill residence complex in Mowbray, will close on Friday, 29 July 2022. I am extremely grateful and proud of all staff, students and everyone involved in this important project.”
– Vice-Chancellor Prof Mamokgethi PhakengWith the closure of the UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre, if you still require access to a COVID-19 vaccination site please visit the CovidComms SA website to find an alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Global Citizen Asks: Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe & Effective?
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
“As a contact university, we look forward to readjusting our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in 2023 as the COVID-19 regulations have been repealed.”
– Prof Harsha Kathard, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning
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.