VC's Message: Return of final cohort of students and staff
Dear Staff and Students
Permits for the final cohort of students
The issuing of permits for the staggered return of the 3rd cohort of students to campus will commence from 1 October 2020. The return will be phased over three weeks to ensure safety. The last group will return in the final week of October.
Teaching and learning
Multimodal teaching and learning will continue.
Staff return
Next week all Management Executive Committee (MEC) members and members of the Extended Management Team (EMT) who have not yet been back need to return together with their support staff.
In the following week, starting on the 12th of October, the remainder of staff are required to return. In some cases, as recommended by line managers, staff will return on a rotational basis where required in order to adhere to the protocols of social distancing.
No permits will be required, but staff will need to present their staff cards.
Employees over the age of 60 and staff with stated comorbidities as submitted to HR should continue to work from home for the time being. We are seeking advice, and will communicate further on this next week.
Health protocols
Screening of staff and students at all entrances will continue: Staff and students need to complete the UFH screening app before entering campus. Temperature screening and screening outcome checks will be conducted at all entrances to buildings. Persons not wearing a mask will not be allowed to enter the University premises. Sanitizers will be available at all venues. There will be regular cleaning of venues after use.
Social distancing
Meetings will to continue to be conducted online until further notice. Gatherings should be limited and need to comply with the national regulations for inside and outside gatherings This includes not exceeding 50% of venue capacity to a maximum of 250 in a venue indoors that can accommodate more than 500. Attendance registers for all gatherings should be kept.
International students currently outside of South Africa
International students who were residing outside of the country during the lockdown period may return in accordance with the national COGTA regulations for return.
Continued social solidarity
Respectful and responsible behaviour by all is required to carry us through this phase. Covid-19 prevention is up to each of us.
We are looking forward to welcoming back the last of our staff and students.
Sincerely
Professor Sakhela Buhlungu
Vice-Chancellor and Principal