GEORGE TOWN: One of the nation's leading, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), here, is taking precautionary measures in ensuring the safety and well-being of its community members following an increase in positive Covid-19 cases in the state in recent weeks.
As such, USM Covid-19 Nerve Centre chairperson Professor Dr Md Roslan Hashim said, all members of the campus community, including the staff and students, are urged to abide by the latest instructions.
Roslan, who is also Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability and Institutional Development), said senior students are adviced to postpone their return to the campus.
"Following the rising number of cases of the Covid-19 pandemic, more specifically involving cases already identified in areas surrounding the campus, all students, especially senior students of USM's Main Campus, Engineering Campus and the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT) who have been granted permission to return to the campus this Saturday, are advised to postpone their plans to do so.
"It is imperative that the Covid-19 pandemic is prevented from spreading and becoming a threat to the well-being of the campus environment.
"With regard to that, all students will be notified from time to time through the official channels of USM on the latest development concerning the time to return to the campus," he said.
Roslan also said that only two entrances would be operational beginning today until further notice at the main campus.
"USM community members in all campuses are highly advised not to enter-exit unless there are matters of urgency," he added.
He said, throughout the duration of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), all students are urged to practice self-monitoring including physical distancing, wearing a face mask, frequent washing of hands with soap and water or applying hand sanitizer in addition to taking care of their health as preventive measures against being infected.
"If there are symptoms of Covid-19, a student needs to seek treatment at the nearest medical facility.
"Early treatment can reduce the risk of the illness from becoming more critical," he said.
For further information, contact the USM hotline numbers at the respective campuses listed below:
* Main Campus: 04-6532267 /04-6536124 (Nerve Centre)
* Health Campus: 09-7671310
* Engineering Campus: 04-5995530/5531/5532/5533