The rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus requires that all organisations put mitigation measures in place. With one confirmed case of the Corona virus in Trinidad and Tobago to date, the health and safety of our community is a priority for the Lok Jack GSB.
It is important that we provide you with the necessary information about the steps we are taking to ensure our compliance with the high standards of sanitation required at our facilities. We also wish to share the School’s plans to ensure continuity of classes and programmes in the event of individuals, groups or country-wide quarantine.
The Lok Jack GSB’s leadership is working closely with the University of the West Indies (UWI), government and public health agencies and continues to follow guidelines from the relevant authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Ministry of Health.
We are committed to adopting all measures necessary to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. We will also ensure you are kept informed of significant new developments and will share information pertinent to our community, as it arises.
As you may be aware, on February 28, 2020, WHO epidemiologists increased the assessment of the risk of spread and the risk of impact of COVID-19 to very high at a global level. CARPHA subsequently upgraded the threat assessment from the Caribbean region from low to moderate to high.
The Lok Jack GSB Plan
The Plan outlined below addresses the actions taken by the School and contingencies that will be put in place.
- The Lok Jack GSB has established a Working Group and is liaising with the Special COVID-19 Task Forceput in place by the University of the West Indies (UWI). The UWI’s Task Force is chaired by Professor Clive Landis, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies and former Director of the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, who has considerable experience in the field of Caribbean public health.
Upgraded cleaning and sanitising protocols to those applied in hospitals and airports with respect to use of cleaners and frequency of sanitization.
- Frequently used surfaces areas will be cleaned and sanitised 3 times a day.
- Disinfectant such as ethyl or isopropyl alcohol [70-90%], household bleach diluted, or hydrogen peroxide will be used for sanitisation.
- Chemicals used are Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] – registered.
- Hand Sanitisers placed at strategic locations throughout the Campus
- Reception
- Student Administration Unit (Lobby Area and Cashier)
- Outside Student Washrooms (ground floor)
- Outside Student Washrooms (first floor)
- Restaurant
- Library
- Providing online access to students presenting flu-like symptoms
Protective Measures Against COVID-19
According to the World Health Organization, the following are basic protective measure against the new coronavirus:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
- Maintain social distancing
- Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Why? Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
- Practice respiratory hygiene
- This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance.
- Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider
Please note that we will provide you with relevant information as it becomes available, while we continue to be guided by the directives from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education.
For any specific questions, please free to send them to info@lokjackgsb.edu.tt