KUCHING: Conventional classes at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) will only convene if its students are fewer than 50 people, said vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi.
Even then, stringent measures such as providing hand sanitisers and body temperature checks have to be done, he said.
Kadim said other classes went online effective yesterday, starting with the current students in campus, which are from the medical and pre-university programmes.
He added that the current mid-semester break will be extended until March 29 under controlled leave and campus residents are not allowed to be outside from 5pm until 8am.
“Unimas will monitor the situation closely and will act expediently if there are infections occurring among the staff members and students.
“We have taken several steps to mitigate the outbreak on campus, referring to media statements issued by the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) and the Health Ministry,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Kadim said the university had put aside RM1 million for combatting the outbreak, including improving IT facilities to support total online learning, along with buying preventive items, quarantine facilities and technical support needs.
“A special committee has been formed which is chaired by the vice chancellor to monitor, strategise and provide guidance to the campus residents.
He added that among the other initiatives are preventive support, which includes a special counter to provide health screening, advice on Covid-19 as well as quarantine.
He said there was also a travel ban imposed on the university’s staff members both overseas and within the state except with a prior approval from the vice-chancellor.
“All student activities and conferences will be postponed. University programmes which involve a gathering of more than 50 people will be postponed.
“Preventive measures and personal hygiene are an utmost priority as recommended by the Unimas health centre and the Health Ministry,” he said.
