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Following the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the recently discovered Delta variant and the placement of of Oyo State on red alert by the Federal Government, the authorities of the University of Ibadan (UI) have put in place additional precautionary measures to prevent infection among its students, staff and members of the public.
A statement signed by the Registrar of the institution, Mrs Olubunmi Faluyi, said unscreened travellers or visitors would be allowed into the university.
According to the statement, halls of residence would be properly monitored to prevent the influx of the deadly virus, adding that unauthorized would not be allowed.
The statement read: “Management has noted the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic, the recently discovered Delta variant and the placement of some states (including Oyo State) on red alert by the Federal Government.
“The fact that the University of Ibadan Health Services has not recorded any confirmed case of COVID-19 or an increase in flu-related/flu-like symptoms (for this season/time of the year) in the last three months suggests that if we are proactive in observing all health safety protocols, we can effectively prevent and spare the UI community from the third wave/new variant of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Hence, it is important that we fully implement all recommended precautions at all levels because it has been observed that though level of knowledge of necessary precautions is high, level of implementation/compliance is low.
“All hands must be on deck, especially in the Halls of Residence, in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Each person must take direct responsibility of his/her health safety.
“The following should be strictly adhered to in halls of residence:
No unauthorized visitors.
No unscreened travellers/visitors.
No squatters.
Right use of facemasks by everyone.
Wash hands.
Always observe physical/social distancing.
Violators of health safety protocols must be promptly reported to appropriate authorities.”
The management of the institution enjoined members of Students Executive Council, Hall Management and all leaders to show good examples everywhere with active health surveillance mechnisms in place.