COVID-19: UI GOES TOUGH, SHUT TWO OF FOUR GATES AND CHANGES GATE PASS

In response to the growing rate of COVID-19 infections globally and in Nigeria, the management of the University of Ibadan has resorted to tough measures.

In a release signed by the Chief Security Officer (CSO), two of the four gates to the University would now be shut with immediate effect. Explaining the reason for this, the CSO said Ajibode and Poly Gates would be shut in order “to reduce or minimize the number of people trooping into the campus … at this critical period”.

It would be noted that many of those who use Poly and Ajibode Gates of the University are motorists who use them as bypasses or shortcuts. Though their destinations are not the campus, they constitute significant traffic on campus. Shutting these gates was considered a way of lessening the chance of COVID whose main way of spreading is person-to-person.

Those accessing the campus who now have to use either First or Second Gate would be offered handwashing items at the gates.

In another development, the administration has suspended the use of metal tallies or gate passes and introduced disposable tallies. This is to reduce the frequency of contact with potentially contaminated surfaces by campus security personnel and other users.

The Coronavirus is said to be able to survive on metal surfaces for up to three days. Metal gate passes could therefore be a harbour for the virus.

Meanwhile, a team in the Department of Geography, COVID-19 Mapping Lab, continues with daily mapping of the spread and fatality rates of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Director of the Lab, Dr Tolu Osayomi, a medical geographer, explained that the purpose of the Lab was to use “spatial analytic tools in monitoring, predicting and controlling the spatial diffusion of COVID-19”. These “mapographics” would provide a visual guide to personal and official decisions.

Nigeria recorded the first case of COVID on 27 February. By March 30, the number of confirmed cases had risen to 131 with two fatalities and six recoveries. Two members of the University community and two from the University College Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19 asymptomatically and have remained in isolation but in good health.

COVID-19 spread would be curtailed if people wash hands regularly with soap and running water, practise social distancing, avoid crowded places, and avoid practices or habits that could jeopardise their health.

The University of Ibadan has set up a comprehensive committee to handle its response to COVID-19. Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to call:

UI Health Services:

08077125099

09062974561

UCH Hotlines:

08131733982

08177557039

08131733694

Oyo State COVID-19 EOC hotlines:

08095394000

08095863000