The Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) has shut down its campus in Ikeja after some students and officials tested positive for COVID-19.
This online medium gathered that there was panic after three of the students tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement, the institution’s student union said the provost mandated every student to evacuate the hostel and isolate themselves at home for two weeks effective from Friday.
The union said courses and examinations have been put on hold, adding that a communique containing modalities for school resumption will be circulated after the two-week isolation period.
“Owing to the present reality of the Covid19 we are faced with and after an evidence based investigation that some students and College staff have been confirmed positive of the coronavirus, The Provost has mandated that EVERY student should evacuate the hostel and isolate themselves at home for the next 2weeks effective from Friday 15th January. This was a decision made at an emergency academic board meeting,” the statement read.
“The Provost advised that any student with likely/classical symptoms of the virus should fill a form which shall be sent across board in the shortest time possible and the concerned individuals shall be called upon for testing tomorrow whilst they await the results of their test at home.
“The Provost also reiterated that the college isolation bay shall be set up within this 2 weeks of isolation and complete evacuation of students from the college arena.
“We strongly encourage everyone to STRICTLY adhere to the Covid19 guidelines as stated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in a bid to help mitigate the spread and impact of the deadly virus within and beyond the college arena.”
Ademola Adekoya who is the head Centre for Information, Press and Public relations of the Lagos State University, also confirmed the development.
In a statement titled ‘Lagos State University College of Medicine close hostel as three students test positive for COVID-19’, Adekoya said the affected students are in isolation.
Part of the statement read, “The Management of Lagos State University wishes to inform staff, students and the general public that three students of the Lagos State University College of Medicine have tested positive for Covid-19 leading the College to immediately close down all her hostel facilities.
In addition, stakeholders are also informed that roommates of the three students who tested positive and their associates are being tested;
“The College already isolated the affected three students and has commenced contact tracing of all affected student;
“The hostel facilities were immediately closed for decontamination upon confirmation of the status of the affected students;
“All students of the College have been advised to proceed home to self-isolate for the next 14 days from where their health status will be monitored by the College. Phone numbers/contacts of all students are already obtained to that effect;
“Any students showing symptoms at home are to contact the College through dedicated lines for necessary assistance/treatment;
“Meanwhile, the College has handed treatment packs to all three who tested positive;
“The College is also providing psychological support to the three students who tested positive and their roommates.
“Parents, guardians and the general public are assured that the safety of all staff and students is of top priority and the Lagos State University as a whole will continue to enforce compliance with Covid-19 guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety of all within her campuses.
“Management also again enjoins all students, staff and the general public to take personal responsibility and continue to observe Covid-19 guidelines as the virus is real and deadly.”
Lagos, which is the epicentre of COVID-19 infections in Nigeria, has confirmed 37, 852 cases and recorded 260 deaths.
More than 29,000 patients in the state have also recovered from the disease.
