In light of the first reported case of the coronavirus COVID-19 in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, 5 March 2020, and on advice from medical experts, we have started a process to temporarily disable the biometric access systems on all campuses, as a precautionary measure and to minimise the possible spread of the virus.

The process will take a few days to implement, and we’re hoping to have the systems on all campuses disabled by the middle of next week. Staff and students are still required to use their valid access cards to scan in and out at all entrance gates. 

All visitors will have to produce positive proof of identity (ID book, driver’s licence, or passport) at the Roper Street Visitor’s Centre.

We apologise for any inconvenience. The safety and wellbeing of our staff and students are paramount as we take proactive steps to address the possible spread of COVID-19.  We take the issue seriously, and are closely monitoring the situation while working with a team of health experts as well as the relevant authorities, including the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).

If at any stage you suspect that you may have been exposed and feel ill, or if you have recently travelled to an affected area, you are advised to isolate yourself (UP staff must consult with their line managers) and contact a medical doctor or the 24-hour UP Operational Management and Crisis Centre on 0800-0064-28 or 012-420-2310, or the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) on 0800-029-999 before going to medical centres.

For regular updates, please visit www.up.ac.za and to read more about COVID-19, please visit:

•       World Health Organisation

•       National Institute for Communicable Disease

READ MORE:

Coronavirus information: Who to contact

Coronavirus: Advice and updates from UP