The spread global pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to South Africa at the end of February 2020 saw President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring a national disaster on 15 March. This was followed by the implementation of various measures to mitigate its spread, including a national lockdown with regulations to limit social interaction and economic activities. The intention of these initial measures was to slow down transmission of infection and enable the health system to better prepare itself to deal with the pandemic. While these measures are being relaxed in stages, it has demanded much agility from all South Africans in responding and conforming to ‘a new normal’.

The impact on teaching, learning and research has been profound. Like others across the world, the University has been working hard to continue its operations remotely, navigating and adapting to new challenges as the reality of living with COVID-19 unfolds.

Within the Faculty of Health Sciences, in particular, the safety of our staff and students has been at the forefront of this response. New guidelines and processes are being developed for adapted ways of teaching, learning, research and working in health services.

This COVID-19 landing page is a repository of information resources for staff and students, providing links related to our response to COVID-19. Use it to access documents, guidelines and a range of communications.

Personal Protective Equipment
Introduction, do's and dont's
Flattening the curve

The Faculty was delighted to receive a large donation of much-needed surgical masks for use by our students. Thank you to the Institute for International and Area Studies of Tsinghua University, and Beijing Chenxing Education Foundation to the University of Cape Town for this generous donation.

Reece Brooks
Reece Brooks, the Faculty Operations Manager, received the large consignment.
students in masks wearing colourful socks
Students enjoying some down - time in the quad. 
students making pancakes
Students making pancakes in their down-time.

Important Update: Return to Campus / LOA / LOI / Travel Permits