The Eastern Cape Health Department has launched a testing and tracing campaign following a recent outbreak of COVID-19 at the University of Fort Hare's East London campus.
This, after 30 students tested positive amid allegations of non-compliance to Alert Level 1 Regulations where masks were not worn, social distancing not observed and non-sanitizing of hands not done at a tavern in Quigney on 3 October.
Department spokesperson, Siyanda Manana says most of the students that tested positive are from the Nursing Science Faculty and, to a lesser degree, the Law Faculty.
"Students that have attended the parties confirmed that Lockdown Regulations were not adhered to. Patrons who were at the tavern were allegedly more than 300, some allegedly been drinking from one bottle and dancing close
to each other", he said.
He says the students were quarantined and isolated at the Alice Campus where the University had set aside a residence with 134 rooms.
Manana says they fear a second wave of COVID-19 and there might be a resurgence of the pandemic.
He has urged people to avoid places where there are large crowds.
"We have seen an increase in the numbers as the Levels of Lockdown were brought down by the government, however people seem to think that COVID-19, is no more", Manana said.
