Gauteng Province – The Wits University confirmed that the medical student who has been in quarantine has tested positive to Covid-19 pandemic.
It is understood the student came into contact with a person who was already infected with novel coronavirus. The University, located in Johannesburg, said on its Twitter account that:
“The @WitsHealthFac student who has been in quarantine since last week has tested positive for #COVIDー19. All 350 students who could be affected have been instructed to go into self-quarantine. All GEMP 1/MBBCh 3 contact classes to go online. SET meets today to plan way forward.” – @WitsUniversity
According to Wits communication:
“The student was asymptomatic and attended classes last Monday and Tuesday, without knowledge that the student had contracted the virus.”
Furthermore, Wits University said that:
“The Faculty is personally reaching out to each of the 350 students who could be affected. They will receive the full support of the Faculty, including the requisite monitoring and testing.”
The University management is locked in an urgent meeting, reported Newzroom Africa. The Executive Team “will decide early next week on whether to continue with or cancel upcoming graduations & other major events”.
The Wits University statement also indicated to the concerned students that:
“Dean of Students Jerome September would be making arrangements for students in residences who required self-isolation. All students who require assistance should contact Thembelihle Dlamini on 072 8390223. Those who require counselling can call the 24-hour Wits student support number on 0800 111 331.”
Updated Mar. 15, 2020 at 21:30 SAT
On Sunday Mar. 15, the Senior Executive Team at Wits University convened an urgent meeting that lead to the cancelation some academic activities after a medical student tested positive to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Executive Team statement listed the following:
- All teaching and University activities involving face-to-face interactions including contact classes and tests have been postponed
- Students in residences to remain home or rooms… follow social distancing policy and limit interactions
- Arrangements afoot for those who usually eating in the dining halls
- Employees required to report to work but to take precautions.
- A temporary moratorium placed on on local and international travel, including inbound and outbound
- Graduation postponed until further notice
Wits University Executive said it will communicate further measures, important information concerning University activities and resolutions thereof.