The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Council has approved the proposal that all staff and students will need to provide acceptable proof of having been vaccinated against COVID-19. The decision comes after staff and students participated in an engagement session last week regarding UCT’s vaccination policy.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said in a statement that was released on Wednesday, October 20, that this new proposal will take effect from January 1 2022 after their council discussed the complex matter and took into consideration a range of diverse views at a meeting that was held on Saturday, October 16.
“The Council resolved that the university executive should proceed to establish an appropriately constituted panel, whose task would be to develop the operational details required to implement the campus access dispensation as referred to above, including the principles and guidelines for exemption from a requirement to provide proof of vaccination. As the UCT executive, we will be required to report back to Council at its December 2021 meeting,” Phakeng said.
Also read: Children between the ages of 12 and 17 can now receive their jab
Phakeng went on to say UCT’s senate also voted overwhelmingly in favour of the mandatory vaccination at their last meeting in September, with 83% of respondents on the ballot indicating support. The UCT College of Fellows has also released a statement supporting vaccination at UCT.
“UCT continues to encourage those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so as that will help keep down the rate and the severity of COVID-19 infection,” Phakeng adds.
In the meantime, UCT’s Community of Hope Vaccination Centre at Forest Hill Residence is open to staff, students and the general public from 08:00 to 15:00 on Monday to Friday.
Also read:
COCT urge businesses to make the vaccine available for employees
Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery