The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on 11 March 2020, resulting in a national lockdown from 27 March 2020. Universities suspended classes and students had to adapt to online learning.

On 23 May 2020, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation announced the controlled return of final-year students in programmes requiring clinical training. Nursing students returned to campus on 1 June 2020. 

The health, wellbeing, and safety of all students are of paramount importance to the University of the Free State. The students will return to campus in a gradual, phased, structured approach over a reasonable period of time. Physical distancing and good preventative hygiene measures will be implemented to curb the transmission and spread of the virus. Small groups of Nursing students will receive training in the use of personal protective equipment and infection prevention control before they resume clinical practicals. The School of Nursing will support Nursing students in line with the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation in his commitment to save the academic year while saving lives. Students have the option to defer their studies until 2021.