Adamson revises self-quarantine advisory after online backlash

Adamson University on Saturday revised its self-quarantine advisory, which initially directed all students who were Chinese Nationals to refrain from attending classes for two weeks, after the policy drew harsh criticisms on social media.

In its latest memorandum, the university advised all students, staff, and stakeholders who had traveled to countries with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus within the last month, or those who came in close contact with a suspected case, to self-quarantine for 14 days.

"Clarification is hereby issued that Chinese students and guests who are limited by the above conditions are not covered by the self-quarantine advisory, and are allowed to come to school," it read.

Adamson's first memorandum advised Chinese students to "postpone all transactions inside the university" until February 14.  

Several users on Twitter expressed their disappointment over the university's initial announcement, outrightly calling the initial policy as racist.

"I am disappointed and deeply saddened to hear about a respected university make a move that would further escalate the discrimination against Chinese people," a Filipino-Chinese user said.

"A better way to address the issue would be to require students to report whether they have traveled to places with confirmed cases or have had contact with people coming from these places," he added.

Meanwhile, another user retweeted was simply appalled by the memorandum.

Seriously Adamson??? pic.twitter.com/EIbGD61mMF

— Hadji Balajadia (@hadji_addu) February 1, 2020

Some said that the advisory was "peak racism."

now this is what you call peak racism lmfao https://t.co/Ho11YgvzTb

— bia ???? (@bncmoreno) January 31, 2020

apparently, the president of adamson university wants all of its chinese students to self-quarantine themselves. just the chinese students.

that's racist. https://t.co/Hy5Z37zQvW

— jase (@jasonbarlis) January 31, 2020

Aside from amending its police, the Adamson administration also apologized for the initial memorandum.

"The memorandum modifies the previous one released, and we apologize for the misimpression it may have caused," said the university. "Please be assured that Adamson University is working its best to ensure at all times the health and safety of all of its stakeholders, both in school and in off-campus activities."

The Department of Health on Thursday said that a 38-year-old Chinese woman from Wuhan, China tested positive for the virus. 

She is currently confined at the San Lazaro Hospital and was in stable condition, according to sources. 

Meanwhile, the China coronavirus death toll had climbed to 259 with more than 11,700 confirmed cases as of Friday. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News