Panic in UNILAG as hostels shut after student tests positive for covid-19

Authorities of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have shut down the students’ hostels, after some students were said to have tested positive for the dreaded covid-19.

The directive was given by the University Senate that all students vacate the halls of residence latest by 12.00 noon on Thursday, after some students reportedly tested positive for the virus.

A statement announcing the measure said no access will be granted to any student after 12.00 noon on 15 July.

The statement reads:

“There is an increase in the number of patients presented to the University of Lagos Medical Centre with flu-like symptoms which are similar to COVID-19.

“The University of Lagos Medical Centre wishes to inform all members of the University of Lagos Community about what appears to be the start of a potential 3rd wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lagos State.

“The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, in his press statement issued on July 11, 2021, stated that since the beginning of July there has been a steep increase in the number of daily confirmed cases, with the test positivity rate going from 1.1% at the end of June 2021, to its current rate of 6.6% as at the 8th of July 2021. This is with a concurrent increase in the occupancy rate at Lagos State isolation centres.

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“The University of Lagos community has also been affected by this potential 3rd wave, with an increase in the number of patients presented to the University of Lagos Medical Centre with flu-like symptoms which are similar to COVID-19.

“The Medical Centre hereby assures all members of the University community, that all necessary actions in line with the Federal and Lagos State Government guidelines have been taken regarding this potential threat in our community.

“The Medical Centre will also return to providing EMERGENCY ONLY SERVICES during this period, in order to protect all members of the community from potential infection within the facility. The Medical Centre Emergency Contact line: 09095879781 remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“The hostels will be locked indefinitely, therefore students are advised to move all their personal effects at once.”

It was gathered that the decision caused panic as students were seen scampering to remove their belongings from the hostel as at 3:30 pm in Wednesday when they got the directive from the office of the dean of student affairs.

However, in a bid not to disrupt lectures, the institution has reverted to virtual lectures which are to begin from Monday, July 26.

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