Precautionary measures to limit the impact of COVID-19

Submitted by Aretha Linden on Mon, 16/03/2020 - 11:28
Read time: 2 mins

We have been closely monitoring the current status of COVID-19 infections in South Africa and are assessing on an ongoing basis the risks to the University of Fort Hare community.

Following the President’s announcement last night, we are announcing the following precautionary measures:

  1. Lectures are suspended with immediate effect.
  2. International travel on University business is suspended until further notice.
  3. Staff and students who have travelled internationally to affected regions and transit hubs in the last 14 days should declare to their supervisors and self-quarantine for 14 days.
  4. Staff and students are requested to restrict domestic travel to essential purposes only.
  5. Meetings in excess of 100 persons are prohibited.
  6. We call on all staff and students to heed advice on preventing the spread of the virus issued through our formal communication channels.
  7. Staff and students who are concerned about symptoms should report to Sister Linda Simandla on 043 704 7616 or 073 112 6153.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology will be meeting with the Executive Committee of Universities South Africa tomorrow (17 March 2020).

Management will be meeting with the Extended Management Team tomorrow to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the University.

Registration continues. Staff and students are encouraged to observe the necessary physical distance in their interactions.

A UFH Response Team on COVID-19 has been set up and is convened by Ms Ntombana Rala from the Department of Nursing Science.  The team is working closely with the province. The Eastern Cape is currently operating at a state of low risk, as no cases have been reported. However, the requisite measures have been put in place.

Our ability to withstand the threats posed by COVID-19 depends to a large extent on behavioural change based on sound knowledge of the virus and ways to reduce the risk of infection as well as adherence to regulatory regimes aimed at stemming its spread.

We will continue to update the University community with the latest information on COVID-19 and steps taken to limit its impact on the University of Fort Hare.

Staff and students are to remain calm. Staff are to remain at their work stations and continue to work.

 

MANAGEMENT