JOHOR BARU: Private universities, colleges and institutes in Johor are preparing to reopen.
Closed since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was first imposed on March 18, these institutes are ensuring that they adher to a range of protocols set by the government.
The government had ordered schools, colleges and universities shut until June 9.
Eager to get back into the academic groove, at least one institution, Raffles University (RU), has taken additional precautions, according to its president Prof Dr Graeme Britton.
Enumerating the steps he said: "The entrances to the building from the carparks have been locked so the only access is through the lobby."
Britton said those entering the building will undergo temperature screening by security, and if a high temperature is recorded then that person would not be allowed to enter the building.
He said queuing lines for lifts were marked out at 1m intervals and lifts allow only three persons at a time to enter.
He said RU had taken additional precaution and everyone entering the campus must complete a declaration form.
Also they should wear face masks at all times.
"The number of students allowed in a class depends on the maximum capacity of the room, and how many students can be accommodated with a minimum 1m social spacing.
Another institute, Austin Heights International School (AHIS) has began to use the Health Ministry's approved disinfectant, Germisep, which contains no alcohol and is of food grade, halal and non-hazardous, to use at the school's common area, toilet and canteen three times daily.
AHIS Business Development Director Chong Khai Siang said the use of "IOT Webapps-Tracer E – Health Declaration" will be used to record the body temperature of students, teachers, administrative staff and visitors.
Chong said a personal hygiene pack will be used by all teachers and students. The pack comprises PM2.5 rewashable and reusable mask, hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes and hand wipes.
He said all teachers and students were required to wear masks at all times.
"Personal hygiene posters have been put up in all classes as a reminder," he said, adding that there would also be staggered canteen break times with social distance etiquette.
University of Southhampton in Iskandar Puteri will give safety and well-being of its students and staff utmost priority.
Its recruitment manager Umar Razzaq said there would be strict compliance of government's standard operating procedures (SOPs)
He said the campus, having reopened to staff earlier this month, allowed the university to have a head-start in preparing to welcome new foundation and undergraduate students.