07 June 2021

Dear members of the UP Community

We regret to inform you that a number of students in the Curelitzia residence have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The residence area is being sanitised as a precaution. All affected students are currently in quarantine outside of the Curelitzia residence and in good health. Initial indications are that the source of the infection was a function which did not happen on the premises and was not organised by the University.

Immediate steps were taken to do contact tracing, and those who have been in contact with the students have been notified.

The health and well-being of our students and staff is our priority. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are working with the appropriate health authorities when and if required.

All in-residence social activities have been put on hold. Students are especially encouraged to exercise extreme caution in social contexts off-campus, where the applicable protocols in place may be less rigorous or less rigorously enforced than those applied by the University.

Students can also contact the UP student counselling services at [email protected] if they require any emotional support or the Higher Health 24-hour student and staff helpline, which can be accessed as follows:

• Toll-free call 0800 36 36 36

• SMS 43336

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Bes Liebenberg 082 908 3588.

For more information on the COVID-19 protocols and what to do in case of a possible infection, please click here.

Best regards,

Prof Caroline Nicholson

Registrar