UKZN phases in students

The university recently implemented phase 1 of its plan with final-year medical students returning to campus in mid-May.

UKZN will soon release details on the next phase outlining dates of return for students from different colleges and years of study. All UKZN employees who are at high risk or can carry out their work duties from home will be encouraged to do so, following engagement with their line manager about remote working.

Normah Zondo, the Acting Executive Director: Corporate Relations Division of University of KwaZulu-Natal, said each class and residence will have a trained hygiene and physical distancing ambassador.

“Residents’ assistants and matrons will also be included in the training so the same principles are followed in student accommodations. UKZN requires that all classes and meetings take place remotely, where possible,” said Zondo.

According to Zondo, access to all libraries and LANs will be restricted both in numbers and duration dependent on the size of the facility.

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,” she said.

Zondo emphasised that UKZN is committed to protecting staff and students and encouraged all to adhere to individual and collective hygiene practices, as well as physical distancing measures, as stipulated in national and provincial guidelines to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

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

“All staff and students will be provided with two cloth masks, a pocket sanitizer 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 sanitizers for use in clinical facilities,” said Zondo.

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