The Rhodes University Coronavirus Response Task Team can be contacted on cvrtt@ru.ac.za.

For a brief compilation of suggestions that might help you better manage your mood and anxiety over the lockdown period (or help prevent these from worsening), please CLICK HERE. You can also apply for online therapy, via the Psychology Clinic, by filling in an application form at https://www.ru.ac.za/psychology/psychologyclinic/#d.en.173753. 

Kindly note that the Daily Self-Assessment Screening Questionnaire, the Initial Risk Assessment, RU Access Control Protocol and the RU Health and Safety Protocol can be found on the HR website at https://www.ru.ac.za/humanresources/ under Useful Information on COVID-19.

Below are the latest pertinent updates. For all full updates & communiques, please scroll further down the page. 

CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE TASK TEAM 

Rhodes University’s Coronavirus Response Task Team (CVRTT) was formed to address the challenges that might arise should there be a suspected or confirmed case at Rhodes University and to develop and implement an action plan to respond to the risks of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

We are taking steps to ensure every possible challenge is being addressed. We are actively and closely monitoring the situation and making appropriate arrangements to mitigate its impact on the health, welfare and safety of our students and staff.

Regular information will be shared with the community as the situation continues to change and develop. The current situation in respect of COVID-19 is extremely fluid and changes daily. Please be alert to any updates distributed by the University.

The Task Team can be contacted on cvrtt@ru.ac.za.

SUSPECTED CASES 

• The Rhodes University Health Care Centre has been identified as the first port of call for suspected cases.
• It is advised that those who suspect they may be infected first call the Centre and ask them how to proceed. This will allow the health care workers to prepare.
• The Health Care Centre’s phone number is 046 603 8523.
• After hours, please contact ER24 on 010 205 3068.
• Please refer to the Coronavirus Protocol for steps that need to be taken and preventative measures.
• In the case of suspected cases with mild illness, a transit housing facility will be made available for isolation.

EVENTS ON CAMPUS, CROWDING & SOCIAL DISTANCING

• All events which will involve significant numbers of people from outside of Makhanda/Grahamstown and its immediate surrounds, which were to have taken place on the Rhodes University campus are either cancelled, postponed, or converted to an online event
• Any and all events on campus require permission. Please contact: covidmeetingpermission@ru.ac.za.
• Staff and students are advised to avoid crowded areas which could potentially spread the disease.

CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE

• Staff and students are urged to educate themselves about the hygiene practices to follow to avoid infection. The simplest and most effective method is to wash hands thoroughly with soap (for 20 seconds) and rinse with water.
• A water task team has been formed to develop a short-, medium-, and long-term plan and strategies to mitigate the impact of water shortages on the University, especially in the context of a possible outbreak of the coronavirus.
• Hand sanitiser dispensers have been installed at strategic points across the campus, and all are encouraged to use them responsibly, cognisant of the fact that the ongoing supply of hand sanitiser has become very limited. Please see: Sanitiser Locations.
• People are encouraged to keep healthy by engaging in alternative forms of exercising outside or in well-ventilated areas.

COMMUNICATIONS

• The task team is in regular contact with the Provincial Department of Health.
• Regular communications will be issued to the University informing the community of any changes.
• Awareness-raising campaigns are currently being rolled-out.

• Covid-19 Daily Self-Assessment Questions
• RU_COVID_19 Awareness Posters A3