Rhodes University said on Monday it had welcomed the first group of students returning to the institution since the Covid-19 lockdown started 100 days ago.
The university said it had put in place measures to ensure the safety of all of those at its campuses, which included "specialist training for staff, strict protocols including daily screening, physical distancing, hand hygiene and mask-wearing".
The first cohort of students to be welcomed back this week had been identified in line with the criteria set out by the national department of higher education and training, it said. Included were senior science and pharmacy students, students with disabilities and students whose home environment was not conducive to quality learning.
"Training for relevant staff members has included the application of basic microbiological cleaning principles targeting SARS-CoV-2. This method is guided by the Global Bio Risk Advisory Council’s (GBAC) protocol for response and remediation and the practical guidelines of the Professional Body for Environmental Hygiene in South Africa," said vice-chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela.
“The University has had to balance a number of serious priorities to get to this point. On the one hand, is the health, wellbeing and safety of students, staff and our surrounding community, and on the other, the academic programme, the futures of our students and livelihoods. In our decisions, we are guided by the three-pronged theme of the Department of Higher Education & Training – save lives, save the academic year and maximise opportunities for student success."
Mabizela said there were also a number of important responsibilities that could only be undertaken by individuals.
To support the individual initiatives, new systems, processes and rules had been approved and communicated. The Students Disciplinary Code, Hall and Staff Codes had, accordingly, been reviewed, said the vice-chancellor.
Upon first time arrival, students, both residential and oppidan, would be required to self-quarantine for a 14-day period. Meals for residential students would be delivered to their rooms. During this time, online teaching and learning would continue.
Those entering campus would be screened daily, while specially-trained volunteers would undertake screening within residences and classrooms.
"Where Covid-19 symptoms are detected, the person concerned will be referred to the Health Care Centre (HCC). All volunteers are trained in maintaining the confidentiality and in the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which will be supplied to them.
"In the case of confirmed Covid-19, the HCC shall immediately consult with the Department of Health (DoH)," said the university.
- African News Agency (ANA)
