The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID- 19 disease probably spreads mainly through small droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person, and that these secretion droplets drop to a surface or the floor below. However, there is an emerging body of evidence that suggests that expelled micro-droplets may remain airborne for longer and that they may therefore also be transmitted from person-to-person through the air, via the presence of aerosols. However, more global scientific data on this newly emerging mode of transmission is still awaited, to give more clarity on the extent of transmission from person to person, through the air.

The College of Cape Town has developed minimum guidelines which are aimed at assisting staff and students in terms of dealing with COVID-19 pandemic. As part of these guidelines, the College of Cape Town conducted a risk assessment and has identified certain staff members at risk of serious illness should they contract COVID-19, i.e. staff with comorbidities, staff who are 60 years and older.