Dear NUST Staff and Students
25 March 2020
Re: COVID-19 LOCKDOWN MEASURE #5
Yesterday, the President of the Republic of Namibia His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob announced that
Namibia, particularly the Khomas and Erongo Regions, will be on a partial lockdown from Friday, 27
March at midnight, to Thursday 16 April 2020. This was done to control the spread of the COVID-19
pandemic.
During the 21-day lockdown period, all people employed by the government, state-owned enterprises
and the private sector are required to work from home. Consequently, and in compliance with this
directive, the University and all its regional centres will be closed between Thursday, 26 March at
16H30 and Tuesday, 16 April 2020.
Staff and students are strongly encouraged to remain at home during this time. Only staff that is
critical to the functioning of the University and those not able to work from home will work from their
offices when required.
Such critical staff will be determined by respective line Managers or Directors and their names must
be forwarded to the Director: Facilities and the Director: Human Resources before the close of
business on Thursday 26 March 2020.
All staff members will be granted special leave through the Human Resources bulk process. There is
no need for staff members to apply for leave on-line. However, every university employee should
remain reachable and available throughout this period. Essential IT services will be available,
although it might be limited. Kindly be reminded that all staff can access their work emails via the
NUST website by following this link https://webmail.nust.na/owa/#path=/mail
The University is aware that this period of uncertainty may cause anxiety and stress amongst the
campus community, but if we all adhere to the guidelines issued by local and international health
organisations, we will mitigate the impact of this virus on Namibia.
Therefore, for this shutdown to bear the desired outcomes, all staff and students must fully cooperate
with university and national guidelines. Remember to limit your movement, wash your hands regularly
and immediately report any symptoms associated with the virus to 0800 100 100. Stay safe and
healthy.
Sincerely
Mdt/cj
Morné du Toit
Acting Vice-Chancellor
