Tarlac State University issued Memorandum Order No. 17, series of 2020 on March 10 identifying the enhanced intervention measures of the university against 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The university chose to be proactive in dealing with the virus even without confirmed cases in Tarlac Province.
Dr. Rommel Hernandez, TSU Medical Services Unit Head, said during a meeting with the administrative council that the stand of the university on the COVID-19 is to stay guarded.
“We prevent ‘yung mismong pag-transmit [virus] sa atin,” said Dr. Hernandez.
Dr. Hernandez also asked for the cooperation of the administrative council to cascade the necessary information and preventive measures to students and personnel especially on the primary parameter on exposure to people and/or places with confirmed cases.
Preventive measures include suspension of the RFID, use of TSU or college shirt as uniform, suspension of students’ attendance to flag raising ceremony, prescribed minimum temperature for air-conditioning units, cancellation and postponement of events with big number of participants, provision of alcohol/disinfectants, and practice of self-protection measures, among others.
The University Intramurals scheduled on March 30 to April 4 is among the postponed events.
Meanwhile, TSU President Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari suggested the use of the existing Office 365 software of the university, particularly Microsoft Teams, for online meetings or classes, if necessary.
She also remarked that the power to suspend classes rests on the Local Government Units referring to Proclamation No. 922, s. 2020 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The proclamation reads, “The declaration of a State of Public Health Emergency would capacitate government agencies and LGUs to immediately act to prevent loss of life, utilize appropriate resources to implement urgent and critical measures to contain or prevent the spread of Covid-19, mitigate its effects and impact to the community, and prevent serious disruption of the functioning of the government and the community.” [Office of Public Affairs]
