There is heightened tension at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as authorities have just announced the signs of the third wave of coronavirus disease on the campus.
According to the statement posted on the university’s website, there is an increased number of patients presenting COVID-19-related symptoms at its medical centre. However the university failed to mention specifically whether any positive cases have been recorded on the campus or not.
The statement reads in part: “The University of Lagos community has also been affected by this potential 3rd wave, with an increase in the number of patients presented to the University of Lagos Medical Centre with flu-like symptoms which are similar to COVID-19.
“The Medical Centre hereby assures all members of the university community that all necessary actions in line with the Federal and Lagos State Government guidelines have been taken regarding this potential threat in our community.”
The university authorities also added that due to the current situation, only emergency cases will be attended to by the medical centre, noting that the institution made the decision in order to protect members of the university community.
The statement also noted that the medical centre will also return to providing EMERGENCY ONLY SERVICES during this period, in order to protect all members of the community from potential infection within the facility.
It, however, noted that the telephone line for the medical centre would be available at all times. “The Medical Centre Emergency Contact line: 09095879781 remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
The university urged staff, students and other members of the university community to adhere strictly with the coronavirus guidelines.
The university listed the guidelines to include appropriate use of masks, adequate distancing, regular hand washing, temperature checks, labelling of seats, maintaining 50 per cent capacity of facility occupancy, and vaccination, among others.
It also advised all members of the university community who embarked on international travel to self-quarantine for a minimum of seven days on return to the country before taking the arrival COVID-19 PCR test.
The institution also promised to liaise with the Lagos State Government to ensure provision of vaccines for members of the university community as soon as the state receives another batch of vaccines.