Dear CUT Community

As the COVID-19 infection rate increases nationally, we are bound to be confronted with infections within our close community. A student on our Welkom Campus has tested positive for COVID-19. This is our first positive case among students. The student is in our thoughts and prayers, and we hope for a speedy, full recovery. All the prescribed Higher Health protocol is followed to deal with this situation, including tracing those who may have had close contact with the student; self-quarantine where necessary, and disinfecting buildings that may have been affected. We understand that this incident is not only traumatic for the student, but also for the CUT community. During such trying times, it is important to remain focused and mindful:

Our screening process works. The student measured a high temperature with flu-like symptoms and was referred to a local hospital immediately. The swift and observant actions of our CUT staff prevented the situation from escalating and ensured that the student got the required care fast.

The recovery rate is good. Although COVID-19 is a serious illness with severe symptoms, the recovery rate in South Africa is currently almost 50%. Many people recover fully.

Hygiene and social distancing are effective. The best way to protect yourself and others is by washing hands and maintaining physical distance from others.
Mental health is important. High anxiety and stress levels damage your immune system, which may put you at risk for any type of illness. Please make use of the many CUT support options (wellness@cut.ac.za | StuComm App).

Although we would rather not have had any infections within the CUT community, it is comforting to see that all the measures we have put in place, are effective. We will continue to do everything within our means to ensure the safety of our staff and students.

Please continue to empower yourself with true and verifiable information by regularly checking in with reputable news sources and our CUT Coronavirus Information Hub, and avoid partaking and sharing fake news. We have a responsibility to not only protect one another from COVID-19, but also from unnecessary mental anguish. Take care of yourself.

May you all be blessed! E se e ka Ramasedi a ka le hlohonolofatsa! Mag julle almal geseënd wees!

Prof. Henk de Jager
Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Download the VC communique, 01 July 2020 (PDF)