The continued management of vulnerable employees based on their risk assessment will require prudent management by line managers, heads of departments, and divisions throughout all levels of the University with due consideration to business continuity.

Managers are reminded to be fully conversant with these guidelines (see attachment), the individual risk-adjusted approach of the University, how to manage vulnerable employees and workplace accommodation measures in relation to COVID-19 regulations:

• Working remotely
• Working partially remotely
• Working fully onsite
• Repurposing the role – upskilling, reskilling or deskilling

Managers must ensure that all employees are engaged and aware of the risk-adjusted approach and the implications thereof.

It is critical for staff to complete the official health declaration form to ensure the identification of all vulnerable staff members and to enable the University to put appropriate procedures in place to address their specific needs in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulation published on 29 April 2020.

Vulnerable Staff Members

As per the regulations, there are two categories of vulnerable employees:

• Those over the age of 60, and
• Those with comorbidities (underlying, pre-existing medical conditions).

Comorbidities

• Diabetes, hypertension and cancer are among such medical conditions found to cause patients to be more vulnerable to the pandemic, but there are many more (see attachment).
• While staff members do not need to identify which comorbidity they have, all staff members must declare if they have a comorbidity or not.
• If any staff member is unsure whether their illness constitutes a comorbidity, they are requested to approach their family doctor. Alternatively, their medical aid, which keeps a record of your medical history, will suffice in offering the required official documentation.
• Staff members should present a certificate/letter from their family doctor to their HR Service Partner confirming a listed comorbidity.

Declaration 

Kindly note if you have already completed the manual form and submitted it to your HR Service Partner, you do not need to complete the online form below. But all other Nelson Mandela University staff, regardless of health or age, must complete the online declaration form below:

COVID-19 Medical Declaration Form

Right to privacy

While the University acknowledges and respects all staff members’ right to privacy, please, in turn, recognise and understand the obligation imposed on the University to provide a safe working environment in general, and that of introducing these special measures.

The University undertakes to ensure that staff members with comorbidities will not be discriminated against in any manner, and that staff members are protected against any such prejudice in the Employment Equity Act.

For any further assistance please contact Lungisani Ntiyantiya on Lungisani.Ntiyantiya@mandela.ac.za

Ntoza Bam

Executive Director: Human Resources