Silliman University to conduct online classes amid coronavirus probe

Silliman University on Monday said it will adopt an "alternative learning scheme" for students as part of precautionary measures amid the threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD).

In an advisory, the university in Dumaguete said starting February 5, classes at the School of Basic Education (preschool to senior high school) will be conducted while students are home.

Academic activities and assessment will continue at home, and lessons will be based on the learning plan that will be provided to the students.

However, should the situation regarding the virus improve, the university will issue an advisory whether or not classes will resume on February 10. If not, the alternative learning scheme will continue until further notice.

The university explained that during this period, teachers shall continue to observe duty hours "to entertain queries from parents, conduct parent conferences, compute grades and prepare the necessary materials."

On the other hand, regular classes will proceed for college and graduate school students until further notice.

"However, students, faculty and staff are advised to observe the necessary precautionary measures," it added.

The university also postponed and cancelled some campus activities for the month of February.

It also advised students with cold or flu-like symptoms to immediately see their doctors or visit the University Clinic.

"Observe proper hygiene, stay healthy, eat nutritious food, drink lots of water and monitor updates from WHO, DOH and other authorities," it added.

The Philippines has so far confirmed two cases of the 2019-nCoV ARD. One of the patients died on Saturday--the first outside China.

The first confirmed case, a 38-year-old Chinese woman, the partner of the 44-year-old Chinese man who died, said they had visited Cebu and Dumaguete prior to being quarantined.

The health department also announced that three persons, among 15 Persons Under Investigation in Central Visayas are contacts of confirmed nCoV cases.