Overcrowding at Playgrounds
The current excellent weather and the exciting new Gardens Playground has led to persistent overcrowding. To ensure continued public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, and prevent the closure of our playgrounds, we must stress that following the Keeping KAUST Safe guidelines is essential. We need your help and support to prevent this from happening.
This means that everyone must wear a mask whenever distancing can’t be maintained such as at the new Gardens Playground during peak times. Everyone must maintain proper distance and wait their turn to use play areas.
Failure to observe these guidelines could lead to the spread of COVID19 within our community. While gatherings are allowed, it is recommended that the community take a practical approach to ensure an enjoyable and safe play experience for all.
- Parents should keep an eye on their children at all times Limit your time at the playground
- If the playground you normally visit is busy, stay safe by finding another one to use
- Physical distancing should be maintained
- Do not use outdoor playgrounds when sick or feeling ill
- Face coverings are required in all outdoor activities when physical distancing cannot be maintained/achieved. Children under 2 years of age are exempt – Learn more
- Cover cough or sneezes
- Wipe down touch points (e.g., handles) with sanitizer wipes before use
- Bring hand sanitizer or wipes to clean children’s hands frequently
- Instruct your children not to touch their faces, not to put their mouths on equipment or hands in their mouths
At present time KAUST is making outdoor facilities accessible (TIER 2) for residents to use. However, if this continues to be a higher risk to the community, we will close specific facilities to protect KAUST.
Please remember, be the change you want to see and support our community by educating each other to Keep KAUST Safe.
Have you registered and booked your COVID-19 test?
For anyone aged 18 or over and who has not yet booked a COVID-19 PCR test this week, there are still slots throughout the week. Please first book on the KAUST Booking system, then follow the below instructions.The below required action is ADDITIONAL to the time slot booking you have previously made on the KAUST Booking System.
Thank you to all community members who have already registered and booked a time slot on the KAUST booking system. In preparation for your COVID-19 Screening test, you must also REGISTER and BOOK a slot on the Sehhaty app (Android / iOS). This can only be done 2 – 3 days before the date of your actual test.
Please note: if you have recently returned from international travel and have had the Exit PCR test before January 17, you still need to register and have the KAUST mandatory COVID test.Read more about registering your COVID-19 PCR test here.
January 17 COVID-19 update
One of the cases was a repeated COVID-19 infection, meaning the individual had tested positive for COVID-19 previously, in this case, it was several months ago.
Another case was an asymptomatic individual who was picked up through KAUST’s routine COVID-19 testing. This case would have otherwise gone undetected.
The remaining five positive individuals were symptomatic and presented themselves to KAUST Health and were tested.All contact tracing has been completed and those required are now in quarantine.
The 14-day positivity rate* at KAUST is currently unavailable.**
We’d like to thank all community members for practicing physical distancing, the wearing of face coverings, hand washing and adherence to the Keeping KAUST Safe guidelines.
If you have symptoms, please stay home and call KAUST Health at 012 808 0940.
* Positivity rate = % of positive tests returned from the total number of tests taken during a 14-day period. Excludes where the result is still pending or the swab was rejected.
** This rate will only be displayed if the number of tests conducted achieves a significant threshold (724 tests). Over the past 14-day period, 210 tests were conducted, which explains the unavailability of the positivity rate, as it is not statistically significant.
See the most up-to-date information about KAUST COVID-19 cases anytime by clicking on the button below or visiting – hse.kaust.edu.sa
Where to turn when you need to know
- Facilities Management – 012 (808) 0959 or email FCHelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa
- Human Resources – 012 (808) 2055 or email HRHelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa
- Health, Safety & Environment – visit the website
- Graduate Affairs – 012 (808) 3412 or graduateservices@kaust.edu.sa
- KAUST Health – 012 (808) 0940 or visit the KAUST Health website
- Wellness services – visit the Health, Safety and Environment website
