Sadly, one of our students lost their life to COVID-19 late last year. Our condolences go to the student’s family and friends.

Your wellbeing continues to be the University’s key priority. Therefore, you are encouraged to continue practicing all COVID-19 prevention measures, including the compulsory wearing of masks. The latter is of particular concern for those students who are using public transport (see section on transport below) to return to campus.

The following information is aimed at guiding your return:

Need to return?
In principle, staff and students should continue to study and work remotely as far as possible.

Permits

As has been the case since students could return to campus in 2020, students returning to campus for academic activities to complete the 2020 academic year can only do so if they have the necessary permit.

The permit received in 2020 is still applicable for 2021. Please seek permission and guidance directly from your lecturer to obtain a permit if you do not already have one. You need to agree to the new COVID-19 compliance measures for the online permit to be granted.

Additional Return-to-Campus protocols

Apart from the permit, please take note of following protocols:

• Alert your residence manager/landlord of your return date
• Do not return if you are in isolation because of COVID-19 or are displaying any coronavirus symptoms
• Use the University’s online self-surveillance tool to monitor your wellbeing on https://webapps.mandela.ac.za/screening
• At the entrances to the University in Port Elizabeth and George, show the result of your self-screening as well as your student card. Your permit is automatically linked to your student card
• Always wear a mask in public. Under the new restrictions, each of us is now legally obliged to wear a mask when in public or face prosecution

Screening sites

To screen for COVID-19, please visit the following sites (07h00 to 16h00, Monday to Sunday):

• Hector Pietersen Residence
• Claude Qavane tuckshop
• Annie’s Cove, Summerstrand
• Yolanda Guma Residence
• Sanlam Student Village

George Campus screening – (07h00 – 15h00 Monday to Friday):

• George Campus Main Gate

• George Campus Health

Quarantine

Once on campus, as per COVID-19 compliance regulations, you will need to spend 10 days isolating in your room. Please ensure that you have sufficient supplies upon arrival. This is compulsory to mitigate against any avoidable spread of the virus.

International Students

The protocols for returning to campus apply to all our students, including international students. According to the latest level 3 lockdown regulations, the international students who are currently in their home countries can only return to South Africa via the OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town international airports. Students need to follow the international travel regulations and be in possession of a negative COVID-19 test not older than 72 hours at the time of arrival in South Africa. If you are not in possession of a negative COVID-19 test, you will be subjected to a rapid COVID-19 test at the port of entry (at your own cost). If positive, you will go into mandatory quarantine at your own cost. If negative, you will be allowed to travel to your destination.

Travel advice

In order to protect yourself and others from contracting the coronavirus while travelling, please note the following:

According to COVID-19 public transport regulations, vehicles may not host more than 70% of its licensed capacity for long-distance trips. A long-distance trip is that of 200km or more. The same ruling does not apply for trips shorter than 200km. Passengers must wear masks at all times.

• Where possible, avoid travelling during peak hours.

• Consider skipping a row of seats between yourself and other passengers if possible.
• Enter and exit buses through rear entry doors if possible.
• Carry hand sanitiser with you, and use regularly
• Wear a mask at all times, keeping hands away from your face.
• Carry an extra mask.
• Avoid touching areas or objects that are frequently touched, such as door handles and seats
• Encourage good ventilation by keeping windows open.
• Don’t accept offers of free water bottles and avoid touching magazines or other items that may be provided to passengers.
• Remember to wash your hands immediately when you get home. 

Coronavirus Information

For additional coronavirus information, go to the My Mandela Return to Campus Student Guide or consult the coronavirus website on www.manela.ac.za/coronavirus

Coronavirus Task Team

Student Life and Development Workstream