Dear SPU Students and Staff

There has been a significant spike in COVID-19 infections in the Northern Cape Province, where the number of active infections is presently amongst the highest in the country. We therefore placed the University under Alert Level 3, from 17 May to 31 May 2021, to mitigate the spread of the virus at SPU and within the larger Kimberley community, while also successfully managing our academic project. The following arrangements are therefore being put in place:

1. The start of the new term will be delayed by one week, i.e., online classes will resume on Monday, 31 May 2021.
2. A revised academic calendar was presented to the SRC earlier today and it is being circulated for approval by Senate.
3. All those students who left campus for the current recess must return from Saturday, 29 May 2021. No early arrivals will be accommodated. Students who opt to remain at home will make their own arrangements for access to online learning.
4. The return of other cohorts of students is postponed until further notice.
5. All students in University-managed and off-campus residences will adhere to strict quarantine regulations. The details of the restrictions will be explained to all students.
6. Mealtimes for students will take place on a rotational schedule.
7. A daily curfew will be in effect from 22:00 to 07:00.
8. Any student who contravenes the COVID-19 health and safety protocols and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action and will have to return home immediately.
9. A decision on the SPU COVID-19 Alert Level, after 31 May 2021, will be communicated later this week.

Remember to:

• Frequently sanitize or wash your hands
• Wear a mask
• Keep a minimum distance of 1,5m from other people

Please continue to strictly adhere to all COVID-19 health and safety protocols on and off campus.

Your continued co-operation in this regard will be highly appreciated.

Kind regards

Professor Andrew M Crouch

Vice-Chancellor and Principal