brand logo

Universities must adhere to health guidelines if reopened: Health Ministry

20 Sep 2021

  • Each uni tasked with making arrangements for adherence programme
  • Students between 20-30 years can get vaccine from centres near uni
BY Buddhika Samaraweera The Health Ministry has pointed out that if universities are to reopen, as announced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) recently, the relevant institutions should make arrangements to continue university affairs in accordance with the Covid-19-related health guidelines. Speaking to The Morning, Health Ministry Communications Director, Public Health Services Deputy Director General (DDG), and Disaster Preparedness and Response Division Head Dr. Hemantha Herath said that at present, university students in the age group of 20-30 years can also receive the Covid-19 vaccines, through the office of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) in their area of residence, or at the vaccination centres in the area where the university they attend is located. However, he emphasised that regardless of whether or not the relevant parties have been vaccinated against Covid-19, the reopening of universities should be done in accordance with the basic Covid-19 health guidelines. “Regardless of the type of Covid-19 vaccine that someone has received, considering the prevailing situation, all must adhere to the basic health guidelines. The same applies to the universities, and therefore, the relevant institutions should formulate a programme to ensure that such guidelines are properly followed once the universities are reopened,” he added. UGC Chairman Senior Prof. Sampath Amaratunge recently said that plans are afoot to fully vaccinate all members of the academic and non-academic staff of the university system against Covid-19, in a bid to reopen the universities soon. Claiming that both doses of the vaccines have already been given to the academic and non-academic staff members above the age of 30 years in all universities, he said that all university administrations have been informed to take necessary action to co-ordinate with the nearest health authorities in each district to vaccinate university students and academic and non-academic staff members aged below 30 years. Prof. Amaratunge further said that vaccinations for university staff members were completed expeditiously on special permission obtained from authorities, as enrolment to universities for the coming year is currently in place and calling the staff for duty is therefore essential. “The universities are expected to reopen subsequent to the evaluation of the progress of the discussions with the health authorities, university vice chancellors, and other related parties,” he mentioned.


More News..