TUT suspends contact classes following student’s death from COVID-19 related complications

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has suspended all contact classes following the death of another student from COVID-19 related complications.

The student, who lived on campus, passed away last week. She was the second TUT student reported to have succumbed to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are extremely sad. The staff [and] the students as well. I would like to take this opportunity also to say condolences to the family and convey that message. A young life lost is devastating to the community, the University, to her friends and family as well, says TUT Spokesperson, Phaphama Tshisikhawe.

“Contact classes have been suspended and starting today actually. It’s not only because of the COVID-19 related death that we are experiencing in the university. It’s mostly because the infections are on a spike,” says Tshisikhawe.

COVID-19 cases

As of Sunday, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 696 564.

The Department of Health reported 5 074 new cases and 45 COVID-19 related deaths,  bringing the total to 56 974 deaths. Recoveries now stand at 1 578 033, representing a recovery rate of 93,0%.

Video: Unpacking South Africa’s COVID-19 numbers with Dr Ridhwaan Suliman