CUHK Announces Suspension of Classroom Teaching
¡@¡@Up to 26 March, two documented SARS cases were found, but the disease had been contracted outside the campus. Both students were admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital. Counselling and medical screening were provided for students who were believed to have had close contact with the infected students. The infected students' hostels (including their rooms, the common room and toilets) and other affected facilities were thoroughly disinfected and cleansed. ¡@¡@On 27 March, another student of the University was reported to have contracted SARS, also from a source outside the campus. In view of the occurrence of SARS cases on more than one location on campus and that the infected students have been to classes and used facilities in various parts of the campus, The Chinese University of Hong Kong has, after careful consideration and deliberations, decided that teaching on the Shatin Campus be suspended from Saturday, 29 March until Sunday, 6 April. ¡@¡@This would help to reduce the risk of cross infection of SARS among students and staff on campus and enable thorough cleansing and disinfecting to be carried out extensively on campus including classrooms, and other academic facilities, hostels, restaurants and other amenities. All students are strongly advised to stay home as far as possible during this class suspension period. However, research students may continue to carry out research work on campus. Despite the suspension of classroom teaching, the University campus will remain open and maintain normal operation. With the exception of courses offered on the Shatin Campus and the Prince of Wales Hospital, all courses offered on off-campus locations will continue. University libraries will also open. Students may approach their teachers for advice on their study, and web-based teaching will not be affected. From now on, all members of the University must keep heightened awareness and continue to observe the precautionary measures against the disease, such as wearing masks and avoiding going to crowded places. |