Management of the University of Ghana (UG) has temporarily suspended all
public gatherings including hall week celebrations and other events on
its campus.
The decision comes after the Ghana Health Service confirmed two cases of
the novel coronavirus to have tested positive in the country.
The temporal ban which was announced on Friday, March 13 takes effect immediately.
The decision is to discourage large gatherings which may act as a risk factor for the spread of the pandemic.
The directive made room for exceptional cases in which permission from
the Office of the Pro-VC, in charge of Academic and Student Affairs.
Until further notice, hall week celebrations are suspended with
immediate effect. Similarly, other large student gatherings are
suspended forthwith. In exceptional cases, clearance for large
gatherings must be sought from the Office of the Pro-VC, ASA,” part of
the statement from the Univerity’s Public Affairs Directorate reads.
Exceptions
In special circumstances or programs like that of the faculty programs,
faculties and departments have been given the go head to hold internal
programs whiles enforcing some basic preventive measures.
“Internal programmes involving students and faculty may take place but
the following appropriate infection prevention measures must be
observed: Avoiding handshakes; Proper hand-washing with soap – under
running water for at least one minute should be done frequently; Proper
application of alcohol-based hand sanitizers; No touching of face, eyes,
nose and mouth; Cover your cough and sneeze with tissue or flexed
elbow; Proper disposal of used tissues.
The University Community is to limit large internal events as much as
possible. Appropriate spacing and adequate ventilation must be provided
under these circumstances. Clearance must be sought for large meetings
from the Office of the Pro-VC, ASA.”
Below is the full Statement
The World Health Organisation has declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and
Ghana has recorded its first two cases. Consequently, University of
Ghana has stepped up measures to prevent and/or contain a possible
outbreak on the campuses of the University. The measures outlined below
will be periodically modified to keep up with evolving trends of the
pandemic.
Preventive Measures
Sensitization on COVID-19 has begun at the Legon Campus and is being
extended to Korle Bu and Accra City Campuses and subsequently to the
Learning Centres and other related units of the University, such as the
University Basic School and Baby Nest Creche.
Information, Education and Communication materials are being developed
and have been distributed electronically. Notices and posters are also
being used as information material.
The University is procuring sensor-assisted alcohol-based hand
sanitizers which will be installed at all halls of residence, academic
facilities and administrative units.
Veronica buckets are to be installed at all University-approved markets.
Service providers such as food venders, hairdressers, barbers etc., who
provide services to members of the community are also to enhance their
hygienic practices. The University will provide continuous education.
In addition to the above, employees and students who develop symptoms of
the common cold should stay away from public places and events such as
school, library, lectures, meetings, religious gatherings, etc.
Screening
The University Hospital and the Students’ Clinics have been designated
to screen possible cases. A screening tent has been set up at the
entrance of the hospital to identify suspected cases for testing.
Persons who are tested will be held until the results are available
(within a minimum of 6 hours). Those who test positive will be sent to
the national case management centres (Ridge or Tema).
Suspected cases identified at the Students’ Clinic will be referred to the university hospital for management.
Creation of Quarantine Facilities
Some facilities on campus have been designated as quarantine zones.
An individual who has a positive travel history or has come into contact
with a confirmed COVID-19 case, but has no symptoms will be held under
observation in quarantine facility for a period of 14 days.
Individuals who can self-quarantine will be encouraged to do so. In case
they develop any illness, they should call UG Hospital: +233 595551971,
for assistance.
Events
All major international and national events slated to take place on UG campuses are suspended and will be re-scheduled.
Internal programmes involving students and faculty may take place but
the following appropriate infection prevention measures must be
observed:
Avoiding handshakes
Proper handwashing with soap – under running water for at least one
minute should be done frequently Proper application of alcohol-based
hand sanitizers No touching of face, eyes, nose and mouth.
Cover your cough and sneeze with tissue or flexed elbow
Proper disposal of used tissues The University Community is to limit large internal events as much as possible.
Appropriate spacing and adequate ventilation must be provided under
these circumstances. Clearance must be sought for large meetings from
the Office of the Pro-VC, ASA.
Hall Week Celebrations and other Student Gatherings:
Until further notice, hall week celebrations are suspended with
immediate effect. Similarly, other large student gatherings are
suspended forthwith. In exceptional cases, clearance for large
gatherings must be sought from the Office of the Pro-VC, ASA.
External travel
All non-essential international travel (of all employees and students)
has been put on hold till further notice. Staff, staff dependents,
students including international students who must travel should seek
clearance from the Office of the Vice Chancellor with UG Emergency
Response Team (UG-ERT) playing advisory role.
Members of the university community are to use technology to facilitate
meetings, lectures and other activities as much as possible.
External Visitors
The University is suspending hosting of international visitors until
further notice. The Office of the Vice-Chancellor will consider critical
requests.
All tours to the University are suspended until further notice.
The UG-ERT is monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates.
Meanwhile members of the community are advised to take the necessary
precautionary measures outlined in university notices and information on
COVID-19. That responsibility is what we owe to ourselves, our
families and other members of the community.
For assistance, the following hotlines can be reached:
UG Hospital: +233 595551971
National COVID-19 hotline: 0552222004
National COVID-19 hotline: 0552222005
Coronavirus: UG suspends all outdoor activities
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