IN ITS effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease inside the main campus, the Central Philippines State University (CPSU), which is located in Barangay Camingawan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, has issued guidelines for visitors or outsiders who may want to transact business with the corresponding offices of the university.
This is in compliance with the guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to effectively lessen the transmission of COVID-19.
The CPSU says that “face-to-face” transactions with persons coming from places restricted by the provincial government and concerned local government units is temporarily suspended until such time that bans are lifted.
All visitors are requested to stay at the designated Visitors Lounge for verification of the nature of his or her visit (simple or complex), and the availability of the person to be visited. However, “face-to-face” contact can be minimized if a supposed transaction can be accomplished through a telephone call.
For complex transactions which requires the presence of the visitor inside the campus, the visitor should fill-out the corresponding contact tracing form. A color-coded identification card (ID) will be issued, indicating the time limit for the intended visit.
Only persons with valid transactions should be admitted to the particular office. (Their drivers or companions shall remain within their vehicles or at the designated parking area).
Group visits coming from a particular agency is encouraged to be kept at a minimum number of visitors (not more than five persons, including their driver).
All visitors are mandated to wear face masks, which can effectively lessen the transmission of COVID-19.
All visitors are also required to undergo thermal scanning. Visitors whose body temperatures are found to be above normal are advised to go back to their mother units or their respective residences.
Social distancing is strictly observed inside the campus. Visitors should always be aware of the designated markers, such as where to fall in line or stand, and where to sit.
Entry to the campus grounds for recreational purposes, such as swimming, basketball, and hiking, is strictly prohibited at this time.
A person or visitor who refuses to adhere to the said guidelines will not be allowed to enter the CPSU grounds.
Meanwhile, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III clarified that there will be no face-to-face classes in July 2020.
“It has come to my attention that there were news stories saying that CHED will be pilot testing face-to-face classes starting July 2020. This is not true. The said reporters may have misunderstood my television interview,” he said.
During a meeting, the IATF allowed TESDA to have limited face-to-face TVET training programs starting July.
“This is the reason why CHED, in consultation with the Department of Health, is now crafting guidelines for possible limited face-to-face classes in low risk MGCQ areas as part of the flexible learning system,” he explained.
CHED plans to submit these guidelines for the consideration of the IATF in late June or early July./PN
