The University of Witwatersrand has recently approved a Covid-19 Vaccination Policy that will make it a compulsory requirement for all its members to get vaccinated. This follows a recent engagement by the university’s council to implement measures to prevent the rise in Covid-19 infections.
Following a recent council meeting held on 25 November 2021, the University of the Witwatersrand has discussed and approved its Covid-19 Vaccination Policy.
According to a statement issued by the higher learning institution on 26 November 2021, following engagements that have spanned several weeks. The university stated that these engagements will continue as more details around the pandemic are revealed.
Aside from those who have been granted reasonable accommodations, all members of the University community will be required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to gain entry to the University’s precincts.
Additionally, everyone will be required to follow the relevant national and Wits Covid-19 safety protocols, which include the wearing of masks. There will also be a vaccination clinic on campus.
Wits University further states that the policy has been adopted to ensure the safe resumption of on-campus academic activities at its precinct.
The purpose of the Policy is to enable the return of employees and students to the University’s precincts whilst protecting the health and safety of the University community, and all others who work, live, learn, and/or participate in activities on campus.
The university has also stated that it will deny entry on its campus premises to any person that has not been vaccinated and/or who has not been reasonably accommodated.
Members of the University who have been vaccinated will need to provide proof of vaccination, which will be connected to their staff or student profile to allow smooth access to the University’s precincts.
Visitors will also have to produce their EVDS certificate confirming their vaccination status before being permitted access to campuses.
Staff and students who are not vaccinated and who have been granted reasonable accommodation may also be limited from participating in certain University activities.
The university has said that the vaccination of its staff and students will enable optimal access to its campus resources including the delivery of teaching and learning.
