The University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City reopened its campus Monday, November 22, for limited face-to-face classes for nursing and medical students.
Anamae Quezon, USLS College of Nursing limited face-to-face classes focal person, said the students adhered to the mandatory health requirements so they could participate in the face-to-face instruction. This includes full vaccination against COVID-19 and submission of their health declaration forms.
The school clinic will not give them clearance if they show COVID-like symptoms, she added.
On November 8, the Commission on Higher Education in Western Visayas granted a certificate of authority to USLS after it complied with the requirements of the CHED and Department of Health (DOH) under a Joint Memorandum Circular effective from November 5, 2021 to August 22, 2022.
The limited face-to-face classes will only cover the third and fourth year nursing students, and first to fourth year medical students.
Quezon said the face-to-face engagement is focused on the essential procedures to be done by the students, as they will be required to perform a graded demonstration.
She stressed that the limited face-to-face classes are voluntary, and not mandatory for their students.
The school has prepared its facility to ensure the safety of the students, instructors, and staff, Quezon said.
“Students need to go home after they are done with the procedure”, she added.
Quezon said that entrance and exit to classrooms were separated to ensure there is no physical contact among students.
There is a designated single occupancy waiting room, where students can stay as they wait for their turn for the practical lesson, she said.
Also, the school has implemented protocols in case a student contracts the virus while at school. USLS has put up an isolation room in case there is a suspected case, Quezon said.
Meanwhile, the school’s on-campus COVID-19 vaccination program for its students and their households, teachers, staff, and all of its employees will continue Tuesday, November 23.*