​31 March 2019

Dear UJ Community

As you know, these are difficult and extraordinary times as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread the world over. South Africa, like many other countries, has not been left unaffected, with the country recording more than 1300 incidents of people who have tested positive thus far.

Yesterday I was informed that two members of the university community – a staff member and a student – have tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member had travelled to Europe early March but since returning to South Africa, has not been to the University and as such, not made contact with any staff or student. I was also encouraged to learn that straight from abroad she went into self-isolation. The student, however, had not travelled anywhere outside the country. I am also happy to hear that those whom she had been in contact with have not shown any Covid-19 symptoms.

Both cases are known to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and are following the required protocols whilst receiving the necessary medical support at home. We wish them speedy recovery.

I wish to remind all to remain vigilant and to adhere to the precautionary measures against Covid-19, and these include:

• Covering your nose and mouth when sneezing;
• Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand-rub;
• Refraining from touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth; and
• Staying home if you feel unwell. We are supposed to be at home because of the lockdown.

Should you experience any flu-like symptoms which include a cough, difficulty in breathing, fever and tiredness, or if you test positive for COVID-19, please contact the following healthcare practitioners at our UJ Clinic:

For staff: contact Sister Elana Venter on 082 341 0299 or eventer@uj.ac.za

For students:contact Sister Miemie Geya on:

• Landline: 011-559 3837
• Cellphone Number: 082 455 8451
• Email: mgeya@uj.ac.za

Staff and students may also contact the NICD via the hotline number 0800 029 999 or the WhatsApp line 0600 123456.

I would like to assure you that the University is committed to responding to any concerns related to the pandemic, and we will keep you updated of any developments. Meanwhile, please do look after yourselves and stay at home.

• Only information issued via the University’s official communication platforms is legitimate. This information may be verified by visiting: https://www.uj.ac.za/newandevents/Pages/Update-on-UJ-COVID-19-response.aspx

Professor Tshilidzi Marwala

Vice-Chancellor and Principal

University of Johannesburg

31 March 2020