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23 June 2022 | Story Lacea Loader
UFS drops wearing of masks on campus

The management of the University of the Free State (UFS) has taken note of the announcement by the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, in the Government Gazette on 22 June 2022, in which COVID-19 regulations were repealed.

Minister Phaahla stated that, as from 22 June, South Africans no longer have to wear masks, and that limits on gatherings and border checks for COVID-19, as well as the need to be vaccinated in order to enter South Africa, have also been dropped.

The UFS COVID-19 Regulations and Required Vaccination Policy has created an environment that the university management regards as safe. This, together with yesterday’s announcement by the Minister, was considered, and a decision was made that the wearing of masks on campus or in any building on campus is no longer compulsory.

However, the UFS COVID-19 Regulations and Required Vaccination Policy remains in place. Campus access control is still in place, and staff, students, and visitors are expected to upload a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR or antigen test result to obtain access to the campuses.

The wearing of masks is still recommended and will be of value especially in the following instances:

1.     For immune-compromised staff, students, and visitors
2.     For persons who are ill with, e.g., flu, colds, coughs, etc.

In the case of staff and students working in public and private hospitals, or any other external laboratory/facility, the wearing of masks is determined by the hospital or the external laboratory/facility and not by the UFS. In any other environment where students or staff are under the regulations of external organisations, these regulations will take precedence. 

Staff and students are encouraged to feel free to continue wearing masks, including those with comorbidities, as masks have been shown to be helpful in preventing the spread of respiratory diseases. Good health-care behaviour remains important as COVID-19 is still a reality.

The university management will decide in due course on the possible upliftment of restrictions on public gatherings.

Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Marketing)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za

News Archive

Former Kovsie named best teacher in the Western Cape
2011-11-14

 

Proud educators from left: Mrs Julia Ramabenyane, lecturer at the School of Social Sciences and Language Education; Prof. Dennis Francis; Roland Rudd; and Prof. Okkie Combrinck, Head of the School of Mathematics Natural Sciences and Technology Education.
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

Kovsie alumni are second to none. This was proven by Roland Rudd who was recently named Best Secondary School Educator in the Western Cape. Roland, a teacher at Wineberg Boys’ High School, completed his education studies at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2005.

Visiting the university's Bloemfontein Campus last week Roland was full of praise about the education he received at Kovsies. “I have made it known that my success is through the input and solid grounding the UFS offered me. I feel really indebted to the Faculty of Education and the university. I believe that this is the best education faculty and university in South Africa.”
 
Roland, who teaches Engineering Graphics and Design to Grade 10 -12 learners, met with former Faculty of Education lecturers during his visit. They all remembered a bright student who won best student awards every year. In his final year Roland won the award for best student in practical teaching. Prof. Dennis Francis, Dean of the Faculty of Education, said he was pleased that one of his faculties’ graduates was doing so well.
 
Roland will compete in January 2012 in the national best school educator competition.

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