COVID-19 GUIDELINES: On campus SOPs for faculty

In view of the declining number of cases of Covid-19 in Pakistan, the educational institutions will reopen on September 15, 2020, subject to strict adherence of SOPs.

Adoption of SOPs and related measures:

Even though there has been a reduction in the Covid-19 cases at present, it is by no means over. It is reiterated that any carelessness on our part is likely to cause it to spread rapidly. It is imperative that we take appropriate preventative measures. Reopening of educational institutes carry a high risk of spread and all faculty are, therefore, requested to abide by the following guidelines.

General guidelines for safety and hygiene in public spaces:

  • Wearing of face masks is mandatory. For your and others safety, keep your face covers on even while teaching.
  • Avoid all kinds of physical contact.
  • Maintain a safe physical distance with other individuals.
  • Do not share food and drinks.
  • Encourage students to make advanced booking/appointments to avoid rush outside faculty and administrative offices.
  • It is recommended that the faculty members share visitation timings with students and must not entertain more than 2 students at a time in their offices.
  • Maintain social distancing protocol when offering prayers. Ideally, you should carry your own prayer mat.

In classrooms:

  • Kindly encourage students to follow SOPs within the classroom and adhere to social distancing protocol.
  • Please ensure that space in classrooms/laboratories is enough to adhere to social distancing protocols.
  • Kindly ensure that students do not gather around you or each other after the lecture ends.
  • SOPs for conducting examinations will be informed later.

In faculty offices/lounges:

  • Keep the office area clean. It is recommended to ventilate 3 times a day for 20-30 minutes.
  • Keep a safe distance if more than one person is in the room.
  • Avoid sitting in faculty lounges unless out of necessity.
  • If you are entertaining guests in the office, they should also wear masks.

Being proactive:

  • Enhance your immune system by maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
    • Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy.
    • Sleep is one of the most important health behaviors for optimal immune function.
    • Maintain a balanced diet and take Vitamin C regularly which will help fight against bacteria and infections.
  • Prepare a course plan as part of your contingency in case you get unwell during the semester and confirm / share with your departmental head.
  • Stay in conversation with your chairperson / AD throughout the semester to seek guidance & clarity on matters at departmental level.

It is absolutely essential that all of us take these guidelines seriously. A stricter adherence to the SOPs is now needed more than ever before to contain the spread of this virus.