CAREL WILLEMSE
UP announces suspension of all contact classes and rescheduling of academic calendar.
All contact classes, graduation ceremonies, conferences, mass gatherings, and all events, including sporting events at the University of Pretoria have been suspended with immediate effect. The decision follows a meeting held by the UP executive a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster pertaining to the COVID-19 virus.
No contact classes, tests, and assessments will take place from Monday 16 March up until mid-April, after which a decision will be made to open the university again. According to a statement issued by UP, consultation with the Minister of Higher Education Science and Technology is ongoing.
Residences will also be closed during this period. According to the statement, all students who are unable to leave their residence, are advised to contact their relevant Head of Residence for support and assistance.
According to the statement, to date there have been no reported cases of infection among UP’s staff and students.Any student or staff member who feel they might have been exposed to the virus, are advised to isolate themselves and contact a medical doctor or the UP Operational Management and Crisis Centre on 0800 0064 28 or 012 420 2310.
