Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

News & Media

Welcome Class of 2021: your health is in your hands on YouTube

Watch the Higher Health (Higher Education & Training: Health, Wellness and Development Centre) video: Welcome Class of 2021: your health is in your hands on YouTube

Process to follow regarding self-isolation and quarantine if I have tested positive for Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19

The NICD has published the following process to follow regarding self-isolation and quarantine. If you have been tested for Covid-19 and are awaiting results or have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19, please follow this process

Unisa Vice Chancellor and vice principals pledge to contribute to the Covid-19 Solidarity Fund

The Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa), Professor Mandla Makhanya and the university’s vice principals have responded positively to calls by President Cyril Ramaphosa for South African businesses, organisations and individuals; as well as members of the international community to contribute financially to the Covid-19 Solidarity Fund (The Fund), established on 23 March 2020.

Counselling and career development services during Covid-19 lockdown

We acknowledge that given the current uncertain circumstances it may be difficult to manage your career development and Unisa studies. Counselling support services are in place to assist you to navigate your journey with Unisa – our counsellors are here to support you to find a way to successfully manage your studies. We encourage you reach out and have discussions with Unisa counsellors by e-mail related to issues that are impacting on your career planning and Unisa studies.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources

Covid-19 (the coronavirus) has reached South Africa. As individuals, we are all concerned with the wellbeing of ourselves and our families. As colleagues and as a university community, we are just as concerned about the health of our colleagues and students.

Unisa message to students: 3 April 2020

The lockdown

As with everyone else, Unisa needs to observe the lockdown and the applicable rules at all times. We urge staff and student not to visit any of our campuses until the national lockdown is lifted.

The COVID-19 Idea Competition for University Students

Unisa encourages students to participate in the Mashauri COVID-19 Idea Challenge. Download the brochure here.

You can help contain the spread of Covid-19

There are a number of practical things you can do to help contain the spread of Covid-19. We've listed a few here.

Communique to students on the changes being made as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown

The State of Disaster and the national lockdown declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa means that as a university, we need to do all that we can to combat the spread of Covid-19 while also endeavouring to ensure that teaching and learning continues under somewhat difficult circumstances. With the lockdown, we have to make certain changes to the way we are doing things.

A message of solidarity and support from the Principal and Vice-Chancellor Prof Makhanya

I am sure that many of you are feeling discouraged, confused and a little uncertain about what the future holds for you as a Unisa students who have just registered and are raring to get going with your studies – only to have all manner of restrictions imposed on your lives by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What to do if you suspect that you are infected

If you get sick with a fever, cough or have trouble breathing: (i) seek medical attention, (ii) tell your doctor about your recent travels and any symptoms you have, and (iii) avoid contact with others.

Coronavirus (Covid-19): Protect yourself - basic protective measures against the new coronavirus

The basic protective measures against the new coronavirus are to wash your hands frequently; maintain social distancing; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; practice respiratory hygiene; seek medical care early if you have a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing; and stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider.

Update: Advice for travellers returning from countries with widespread sustained (ongoing) transmission

What To Do When You Return To South Africa?
Stay at home for 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread ongoing community transmission and practice social distancing.

Communiqué from Prof MS Makhanya: Unisa's response to the Covid-19 pandemic

The university has been running a digital awareness campaign in the past weeks to empower staff and students to improve our hygiene in a bid to mitigate against the spread of the Covid-19 virus in our spaces. As you know, the Government, in response to the rapid spread of the virus both nationally and internationally, announced drastic measures to help the country respond as comprehensively as possible to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unisa suspends its graduation ceremonies until further notice

The University of South Africa (Unisa) wishes to inform all its stakeholders that it has suspended all its graduations ceremonies following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on COVID-19 last night. The suspension also applies to the graduation ceremony that was schedule to take place today (16 March 2020).

Coronavirus: President Ramaphosa addresses the nation and state of the disaster

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday night announcing a range of measures to try and stem the Covid-19 epidemic. See the President's speak and read his speech.

How to protect yourself: Hand hygiene - when and how

Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick & spreading the virus to others. People frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it. Here are some tips on how to wash your hands and use hand rubs effectively.

Unisa Coronavirus (Covid-19) update