THE University of Goroka (UOG) campus in the Eastern Highlands province is on a two weeks lockdown due to two recent staff deaths related to Covid-19.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of UOG Dr Teng Waninga (PHD) confirmed the lockdown in a memorandum to all staff and students and families, File No 18/21 d6ated 1st of October.
The lockdown commenced at 6pm on Friday evening.
“This memo serves to remind all staff and students regarding the decision of the special academic senate in consultation with the Chancellor that there will be a total lockdown for two weeks commencing this Friday,” Dr Waninga wrote in the memo.
The lockdown commenced on 6pm Friday October 1st and will continue for two weeks until Sunday the 27th of October, 2021.
Dr Waniga said the decision was unanimously agreed to by members of the academic senate due to the sharp rise in Covid-19 cases currently experienced at UOG campus with two staff deaths and several staff and students in isolation.
The UOG isolation centre is now full. The two weeks will be used for lecturers to provide final notes for lectures and examinations.
Continuing students will use the lockdown period to prepare for their examinations.
Examinations begin on Monday the 18th of October and end on Tuesday 20th of October.
The following three days will be used for clearance and travel for continuing students to their respective provinces and homes.
Final year students will continue classes after the lockdown to end their academic year.
“The restrictions put in place through my memo dated 27th September will be strictly followed and monitored by our security personnel.
“Be responsible and mindful towards our academic and non-academic staff and their families who are vulnerable especially those over the age of 50.
“Please wear face masks at all times and adhere to social distancing. There will be no gatherings during the lockdown period. Our Enga and Sepik Campus will continue as per the calendar year.
“Let us not panic and spread false rumours, be prayerful and adhere to these instructions as our lives are very important.
“Take all precautionary measures to safeguard yourselves and others,” Dr Waniga said.
Meanwhile, reports confirmed there is shortage of oxygen bottles at Goroka-based Hospital after the hospital ran out of oxygen due to increase in Covid-19 patients.
As of yesterday Lae based Manalos Aviation Limited airlifted several oxygen bottles from Lae to Goroka to address the acute shortages there.