Dear USC Community:
We have some important updates to share with you.
Last evening we were informed via a televised news conference involving the Minister of Health and the Minister of national security of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, that Trinidad and Tobago recorded its first COVID-19 case.
In anticipation of this reality the university has put immediate measures in place and wishes to provide you with the following updates:
- Effective tomorrow, our main campus, south campus and Tobago campus will be closed for one week in keeping with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
- With immediate effect, all major campus events and activities are cancelled. These include: Olympiad, Blitz, International Students Week and others.
- An isolation unit is being established for our international students living on the dormitories.
- Thorough sanitization measures are being implemented campus-wide and will include the acquisition of hand-sanitizer dispensers.
- All campus meals be served “take away”, thus reducing the number of gatherings on campus.
- A Campus Disaster Management Command Centre has been established at the Campus Security Building and Commanded by the Chief Security Officer, Steve Byng.
- Our health services department will share pertinent COVID-19 information, which will be determined via email and the university’s website.
As we continue to take all the necessary steps and precautions to protect our entire USC community, the long-term closure of our campuses is an active consideration and all the necessary contingency measures are being prepared in case of this eventuality.
As we continue to keep you updated, it is important that you take steps to reduce the transmission to the spreading of COVID-19. Kindly also pay attention to the following:
- Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your mouth with tissues whenever you sneeze, and discard used tissues in the trash.
- Avoid people who are sick with respiratory symptoms.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces.
- In closing, as a faith-based community we do believe in the power of hope and prayer. Let us continue to seek God in prayer for the protection of all our students, faculty, staff, families, our neighbours and loved ones. We serve an all powerful and mighty God as we expect this trial to pass through the blood of Jesus.
Sincerely,
Dr. Hilary Bowman
President
