Dear UJ Community

We have over the last few weeks communicated the procedures and protocols for the resumption of campus-based academic activities under the COVID-19 National Lockdown Level 3. It was explained that we will be welcoming eligible staff, postdocs and students on campuses and residences on Wednesday, 17 June 2020, to resume some academic and research activities on campuses, among others. This will be done in accordance with the up to 33% limit on students who can return, as per the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation (DHET) guidelines. To read more about the categories of staff and students who are eligible to return to campuses, click here .

Eligible staff and students have received letters notifying them to return. Access permits have been issued to those identified for return during this phase, and students who need to cross provincial borders are reminded that they will need to have a travel permit from the University when returning. If a student eligible to return has not received a permit to travel inter-provincially, they may contact the Executive Director: Operations, Professor Andre Nel at andren@uj.ac.za.

Privately-Owned Students Accommodation (POSA): Students who reside in POSA and are not included in the 33% of students who have been identified and informed accordingly to return to campuses, must make direct arrangements with the relevant POSA for their return. Please note: The University will not issue travel permits for students residing in POSA, who are not part of the 33% Phase 1 return to campus. For students not returning to campuses but just returning to their privately-owned accommodation, they will need a letter from the POSA property owner confirming that the student resides on the property, thereby allowing the student to travel/return to his/her own privately-owned accommodation.

It has been communicated to POSA landlords that a return of students to such properties should be on condition that they (students) can be safely accommodated and supported in line with the health and safety protocols to minimise exposure to the coronavirus, as directed by DHET. Students are always encouraged to abide by safety guidelines. Furthermore, students are also encouraged to pay or settle their outstanding POSA debts in order for landlords to allow them back to residences.

We recently gave an overview of the implementation of our Reintegration Plan, which outlines the preparations for our campuses and residences to be ready for the partial return of our staff and students. Herewith a further reminder about this important information:

• All staff and students will be subjected to a safety induction process, that will include the completion of the declaration of indemnity forms.
• All staff, students and external stakeholders to complete a compulsory screening.
• All staff, students, and external stakeholders must wear cloth masks at all times (they will collect masks upon first entering campus).
• All line managers in various departments/divisions are required to perform and report on a risk assessment of their respective work environments.
• Additionally, all returning staff and students should provide names of contact persons (next of kin) to staff at Campus Health Service when requested, should they become symptomatic. This is in adherence to Departments of Health and Employment and Labour guidelines.

Today, we would like to draw your attention to the procedures and protocols for screening, access to campus and the directions to the campus control points which will be used for this purpose. All persons eligible to return to campuses from 17 June are encouraged to complete the pre-screening process before arrival to ensure that the process is as seamless as possible (the link will be sent via email to all persons).

Please allow yourself at least 45 minutes extra time to move through all the access requirements prior to entry to the campuses, particularly for classes early in the morning. Click here APB, APK, DFC, and SWC to familiarise yourself with the screening areas at the respective access points. Your patience and understanding as we implement these new processes will be enormously appreciated and valued. Retain your staff or student card and access permit with you at all times when accessing campus.

Please continue to visit our COVID-19 portal on the UJ website for valuable information, including health and wellbeing. Only information issued via the University’s official communication platforms is legitimate. This information may be verified by visiting: https://www.uj.ac.za/news/corona-virus//. We appeal to all to adhere to the recommended precautionary measures, hygiene and social distancing at all times.

Issued by University Management
University of Johannesburg