A(H1N1) threatens Freshie orientation

Under the threat of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, the June 23 College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) freshmen orientation would not have pushed through. Almost.

CSSP Student Council (CSSP SC) Chairperson Jay Bagcal said that the Dean’s Office, the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA) and the College Secretary “highly discouraged” the local council from conducting the college welcoming assembly, where an estimated 400 students are expected to attend.

According to a University Health Service (UHS) directive, assemblies with more than 500 people shall not push through. The university freshman welcoming assembly had been postponed indefinitely while the virus still poses an imminent threat.

Bagcal said that since colleges were given the prerogative to cancel or push through with their assemblies, the CSSP SC and CSSP organizations decided that the college orientation would push through in the National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (NISMED) auditorium, albeit in coordination with the UHS.

Bagcal said that UHS staff shall monitor the participants’ temperature upon entry and students showing signs of the A(H1N1) virus will not be allowed to enter.

Masks will also be provided if the UHS advises so, he added, citing earlier news reports saying that the public should only wear face masks when they are actually infected.

Rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers shall also be handed out.

The information drive also starts on June 23, Bagcal said, adding that primers on A(H1N1) will be inserted in freshmen kits and a UHS staff shall also be giving a talk about the pandemic.

University Student Council Chairperson Titus Tan said, " I believe that the necessary authorities are doing what they seem fit. Aside from a cure, the best step to solve this issue is to be informed and inform others."

Free hand sanitizers

The CSSP SC plans to give free hand sanitizers in front of CASAA and every restroom in the Palma Hall building, but there is no date for the said project yet.

The council's chairperson said that a possible sponsor for the project is food magnate Universal Robina Corporation (URC).

"If the CSSP SC cannot find private entities to sponsor this, funds will come from the council’s funds," Bagcal said. ▪

Article by: Alexandra Francisco