Amid the ongoing threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV), Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental has implemented preventive measures to protect their student body. In an advisory released on their official social media page, the university prefaced their statement, affirming, they are confident in the efforts being made by the Negros Oriental provincial government and the Dumaguete City government in addressing the concern. They went on to reveal, effective today, School of Basic Education classes from preschool to senior high school will be conducted in an alternative learning scheme.
“Should the situation improve, the university will issue an advisory whether to resume classes on February 10, 2020,” university management explained. “Otherwise, the alternative learning scheme will continue until further notice.”
During the alternative learning scheme period, teachers will continue to observe duty hours to take queries from parents, conduct parent conferences, compute grades, and prepare necessary materials.
Meanwhile, regular classes will continue for the tertiary and graduate levels until further notice. However, students, faculty, and staff are advised to observe necessary precautionary measures as previously prescribed by the university in its earlier released memos. In addition, the university also canceled the scheduled Faculty and Staff Day and University Honors Day until further notice, as well as extracurricular programs, including college week activities.
Silliman University also withdrew from the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet, which is set to take place from February 17 to 22 in Dumaguete City.
Earlier, two Chinese nationals who visited Dumaguete City last month tested positive for nCoV. Health officials in Negros Oriental, in response, immediately placed the local resort and hotel establishment where the two patients stayed under quarantine.
The two were confined to the San Lazaro Hospital in Metro Manila.
One was later declared dead while receiving treatment./DGB, WDJ
