The COVID-19 outbreak has changed many people’s way of living as we used to know. Many countries are incorporating new norms into the daily living patterns of their citizens. Businesses have had to close, some shutting down completely as they were not able to keep running. Schools and universities are temporarily shut down, while online learning has been implemented using the various online communication tools available. In Malaysia, the government has implemented the Movement Control Order in various stages, with states that have widespread infections going into total lockdowns with strict stay at home orders. Many people lost their jobs, and the economy, as it stands, is in a precarious situation. The government is thus taking a calculated risk in slowly allowing industries to operate again, as well as institutions of learning. However, with the pandemic still rampant in claiming its number of victims, there are SOP procedures implemented in an effort to reduce the number of infections.
SOP procedures to follow when returning to INTI amid the COVID-19 outbreak
For those of you returning to campus to continue your pursuit of higher education, the following are a few tips for you to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic.
1. Practise social distancing.
In many public health strategies, especially during a worldwide pandemic, social distancing is implemented in order to keep people physically distant from one another, as close proximity with an infected person is how the coronavirus is spread. With the vaccine slowly being distributed in phases, we have to do our part in flattening the curve and curbing the spread of the virus. Always:
- Avoid large meetings or gatherings. If it’s absolutely necessary to meet, as in the case of group discussions for class, make use of the many online communication tools available.
- Carry a pen with you to avoid using the public ones prepared at locations that require you to sign in. Or better still, download the MySejahtera application on your smart device.
- Avoid public places during peak hours, such as the supermarket or the laundromat.
- Keep a 6-foot distance away from people at all times, other than the people you live with.
2. Sanitise hands and other surfaces.
Sometimes the simplest hygienic measures can mean the difference between life and death due to the coronavirus. Sanitising yourself, your belongings, and your vicinity and facilities is important to stop the virus from spreading. Always:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do not touch your face, and avoid sneezing or coughing into your hands.
- Carry a hand sanitiser with you and use it when you come into contact with any unsanitised surface.
- Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces frequently, such as door handles, tables and chairs, washroom surfaces, guardrails, etc.
- Change into clean clothes once you return home and wash your used clothes immediately.
3. Wear a face mask.
Always wear a mask when you’re outside, especially if physical distancing is not possible. Masks can reduce the risk of transmission of the virus.
4. Take precautions if you feel unwell.
Stay at home if you start to feel unwell. If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, laboured breathing, incessant headaches, loss of sense of taste and/or smell, seek medical attention immediately.
In these precarious times, we all have to bear the responsibility to ensure that the virus does not spread more than it already has thus far. Do your part and follow all SOP procedures laid out by the Ministry of Health. Practise social distancing and sanitise your hands frequently and avoid going out if you can. Obey stay at home orders. Together, we can all overcome this pandemic. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our INTI and wider communities, we constantly update on the latest SOPs in INTI’s Health Advisory.