Feedback from the ICBC
 

Dear colleagues and students

It's official – we are fast heading for a third wave of coronavirus infections. Now is the time to take action by redoubling our efforts in observing COVID-19 protocols.

This was the strong warning we received from Prof Juliet Pulliam, Director of SACEMA (the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis), hosted at Stellenbosch University (SU). She was speaking at a meeting of our Institutional Committee for Business Continuity (ICBC) on Monday, 17 May 2021.

Prof Pulliam shared the latest data with us, which shows a sustained increase in infections nationwide: “A new wave is officially declared when the seven-day moving average of the case incidence reaches 30% of the previous wave. We are not quite there yet, but we are rapidly approaching that threshold."

By 12 May, the Western Cape had seen a 35% increase in new cases of COVID-19 infections compared to the previous seven-day period. In the Cape Winelands, this figure was 40%, and in Stellenbosch specifically, the increase was 80%.

Prof Pulliam highlighted another aspect that is extremely worrying – the age distribution of new cases in Stellenbosch. “Towards the end of the previous wave, the cases were very much clustered within the older age groups (25–55 years). Now, the younger age groups are starting to pop (15–25)," she warned.

Colleagues and students, let us protect not only ourselves but also each other and our broader community. Each of us must wear a mask, avoid crowded spaces, maintain a safe physical distance from others and wash our hands regularly.

Thank you to everyone who has been following protocols, but we are unfortunately aware of violations, especially in lecture halls and computer user areas. We must do better and work with our COVID safety ambassadors for the common good.

Social and behavioural interventions are vital at this stage as the country faces challenges with the rollout of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme. Meanwhile, I want to encourage you to register on the national system as soon as you can. Also check with your medical aid, who may be compiling a database to facilitate rapid access when your turn comes.

The ICBC noted that the government has extended South Africa's national state of disaster due to the COVID-19 pandemic by a further month – until 15 June 2021. It has been in place since 15 March 2020.

Colleagues and students, we find ourselves in a highly volatile situation, and circumstances may change at any moment. Let us be vigilant and all do our bit.

Please take care and stay safe,

Prof Stan du Plessis
ICBC Chair