As the pandemic draws increasingly closer to each of us, we remind everyone to heed the call to adhere to health measures and protocols.  Avoid crowds as far as possible, always wear a mask in public and in confined spaces when with others, practice physical distancing and regularly wash and sanitise hands, as these are presently our best defence against the pandemic.  Vulnerable individuals and those with symptoms should quarantine and isolate, familiarising themselves with the comprehensive COVID-19 education and awareness programme.

The number of Nelson Mandela University staff who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus has risen to 21, with two more cases bring reported over the weekend.  To date, 927 health screenings have been conducted with 21 confirmed cases, 13 of which have been cleared and only seven active cases remain.  A total of 52 contacts have been tracked and traced, 45 of whom have been cleared. 

Sadly, the University has received news that one of our staff members who is reported to have tested positive, passed away.  As Mandela University, we extend our most heartfelt condolences to the staff member’s family, friends and colleagues.  Although the staff member had not been working on campus during the Lockdown period, the University has implemented the appropriate safety protocols to prevent further possible spread of the virus, as has been the norm with every reported positive case.  All possible contacts, on and off the campus, have gone into quarantine for their safety and that of others.

The University’s Occupational Health and Wellness team remains in constant contact with the staff members who have tested positive, as well as all contacts for the necessary support, monitoring and guidance. 

As the University eases into the phased return to campus, with the first third of its staff and student population trickling back, several measures that include regular health screenings, ensuring physical distancing, heightened hygiene practices and the appropriate use of PPEs, have and are being implemented in an effort to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and students. 

As we practice and adhere to the basic health and hygiene protocols, we will do well to remember that overcoming COVID-19 is in our hands - each one of us.

Coronavirus Task Team