In a statement, the UFS says the employee is now self-isolating at his/her place of residence in the city, located off campus, for two weeks. 

According to the institution’s spokesperson, Lacea Loader, the tracing team has identified people who came into contact with the employee and they are presently quarantined at home despite being asymptomatic. In addition to this, the “department and the building in which it is situated have been closed”. UFS Vice-Chancellor, Francis Petersen, has expressed his well-wishes to the affected employee and vowed to uphold the institution’s patient zero’s right to privacy. 

Elsewhere in the country, the University of Cape Town (UCT) has confirmed three staffers and a postgraduate student have contracted the virus and are in quarantine. The number of coronavirus cases in South Africa has jumped by 152 cases overnight, bringing the tally to 554. The announcement made by Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, comes less than a day since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the decision to implement a 21-day countrywide lockdown - commencing Thursday at midnight. Only absolutely essential personnel, such as doctors, nurses, police, and those requiring medical care, will be allowed to leave their homes for restricted periods. Individuals will not be allowed to leave their homes except under strictly controlled circumstances.

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