Uni locks down campus after recording 13 cases and two deaths

By DALE LUMA
THE University of Goroka (UOG) has recorded 13 positive Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases and two deaths so far, acting vice-chancellor Dr Teng Waninga says.
Dr Waninga confirmed on Friday that the two who died were an academic staff and a former employee of the university. He said the university had now taken measures, including instituting a two-week lockdown during the study break.
“We have 13 positive Covid-19 cases at the University of Goroka,” he said.
“Only one student was hospitalised, but he has recovered and he has been sent back home.
“The council, top management team and academic senate are very concerned with the rise of the Covid-19 cases because over 3,000 students at the University of Goroka live within and among our local communities in Goroka.
“We have only 1,500 students residing on campus, the rest live among and within communities and including our staff. We had two deaths so far, one is our academic staff and the other was a former employee of the university.”
Dr Waninga said the measures taken on Friday to protect the university included a two-week lockdown and for students not attend formal lectures.
He said measures had been endorsed by UOG’s interim council, academic senate and top management and the Minister for Higher Education, Research Science and Technology Wesley Raminai had been briefed.
Dr Waninga said all students and staff showing Covid-19 symptoms were isolated.