NU Manila imposes strict safety protocols in limited physical classes

To ensure the safety of its teachers and students, National University (NU)-Manila enforced strict health protocols during limited face-to face classes for its medical technology program.

In Mariz Umali's Unang Balita report, classes are divided into two shifts, morning shift will be from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and afternoon shift will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

From 40 students in one room, NU will only accommodate 12 students to ensure that social distancing is implemented. Students are also required to use their own laboratory equipment.

Students and faculty members are also mandated to wear face masks, face shields and personal protective equipment for their classes.

NU's Dean of College of Allied Health Ma. Reina Gulmatico said only third year and fourth year students with professional courses in the laboratory are included in the courses.

She added that prior to organizing the physical classes, students are required to answer a survey to notify university authorities that they are willing to participate in the classes.

Aside from this, Gulmatico pointed out that the university also asked for parental consent before implementing the classes.

3 cycles of testing

With the help of Manila government's Health Department (MHD), NU students and teachers must undergo antigen swab testing for three cycles.

Gulmatico said three cycles means testing will be conducted before the face-to-face classes, in between face-to-face classes and the last day of the classes.

NU app

Meanwhile, the university also launched a tracing application which will monitor the symptoms of students and faculty members entering campus premises.

But the app is not only a monitoring system, MedTech program chair Prof. Edison Ramos said it will also sound an alarm to authorities if one of the students or faculty members show signs of COVID-19 symptoms.

After the alarm, Ramos said symptomatic students and employees will be brought to an isolation center where university physicians and MHD personnel will assess their health.

So far, Gulmatico said none of the faculty members and students reported symptoms of COVID-19.

Based on the university's website, physical classes for the med tech program kicked off on June 7 while its limited face-to-face classes for its nursing program will start in August.

The Manila government approved four Manila schools, including NU, to hold limited face-to-face classes in their health programs.—Consuelo Marquez/LDF, GMA News