- Stellenbosch University is moving all classes online.
- This after 36 cases of Covid-19 were detected at the institution.
- Venues where students gather on campus will close immediately.
Stellenbosch University (SU) is moving all classes online after the detection of 36 cases of Covid-19 at the institution.
In a statement to students and staff, the university said they will stay online until the end of term on 18 June.
Venues where students gather on campus will also be closed immediately.
The university's Institutional Committee for Business Continuity (ICBC) announced this on Thursday night after a meeting to discuss the situation.
"Since Monday, there have been 36 positive test results on our Stellenbosch campus, including a number of infections in the Metanoia residence. In line with our [protocols], the individuals concerned are now in isolation or quarantine," a statement read.
To contain the pandemic, the ICBC announced the following measures for the entire university:
- Scheduled A1 assessments will continue as planned, with strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols;
- Social and other group activities, including sport, to stop immediately;
- Venues on campus where students gather in groups will be closed immediately. These include computer user areas, study centres and library study areas.
The university said it hoped this will contain the situation so that assessments from 21 June to 24 July in sit-down, invigilated mode can continue in exam rooms where Covid-19 protocols will be in force.
SU will provide mobile data to all students (excluding those on the Saldanha campus, short-course students and postdoctoral fellows).
Bundles will be purchased from MTN, Vodacom, Telkom and Cell C in South Africa, and will be valid for a month after being loaded.
Students must confirm the mobile number and personal details the university has on record.
The university called on students and staff to redouble efforts to wear masks, avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, maintain social distancing and wash hands regularly.