UKZN prepares for return of students and staff to campus

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is preparing for the next phase of its staggered approach to returning students and staff to campus.

The university recently implemented phase 1 of its plan with the final-year medical students having returned on 16 and 17 of May 2020.

UKZN will soon release a communique with details on the next phase outlining dates of return for students in different colleges and years of study.

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All UKZN employees who are at high risk and/or can carry out their work duties from home will be encouraged to do so, following engagement with their line manager about working remotely.

Hygiene and physical distancing ambassadors for each class and residence will be trained. Residents’ assistants and matrons will also be included in the training so as the same principles are followed in student accommodation.

UKZN requires that all classes and meetings take place remotely, where possible.

The library will remain closed until further notice.

e-Books will be made available and training will be provided on how to access these. Once opened, access to the library will be restricted both in numbers and duration (dependent on the size of the library).

Access to the LANs will be restricted both in numbers and duration (dependent on the size of the LAN). Intercampus shuttle services will continue with adherence to the principles of hand and respiratory hygiene as well as physical.

UKZN, in addition will ensure that all buildings, offices, campus residential facilities, water and sanitation facilities within the campuses are cleaned and disinfected prior to reopening.

UKZN is committed to protecting staff and students and we encourage all to adhere to individual and collective hygiene practices as well as physical distancing measures as stipulated in national and provincial guidelines to prevent transmission of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

In line with government regulations, arrangements have been made for screening, testing, quarantining where necessary, and the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s).

Daily screening for symptoms using a self-screening app based on the NICD criteria for screening will be undertaken. For those who do not have access to smartphones, the screening will be conducted by the security personnel at UKZN Campus gates and all entry points.

Personal Protective Equipment: All staff and students will be provided with two cloth masks, a pocket sanitiser and an information leaflet in line with the provisions of the regulations.

Additional precautions for Health Science Students in clinical practice will be taken: They will be offered a cloth mask and a visor as well as sanitisers for use in clinical facilities.

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