NUS Will Suspend Students Who Move Around While on Leave of Absence

By
Siti Hawa
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Do you know what’s a great place to catch the Wuhan virus?

Any guesses?

Okay, I’ll tell you. School.

A high-stress environment where students gather together in close proximity to each other.

Do you know what’s an even better situation?

The fact that it was just Chinese New Year last year so everyone has been everywhere in the world.

Lest you’re unaware, the government has implemented the Leave Of Absence and Quarantine Order for those who have returned from China.

If you’re not aware of the difference, you can read about it here.

NUS Will Suspend Students Who Move Around While on Leave of Absence

It’s not just the government that’s taking action because schools are too.

This came after some National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) students became concerned about other students who are on leave of absence but are still travelling around on campus.

In short, the government implemented a 14-day leave of absence as a precautionary measure in light of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

This applies to those who have returned to Singapore from mainland China, including both students and staff at NUS and NTU.

Another issue that the universities might face in implementing the measure, as pointed out by some students is that they might not be able to verify the travel history declared by students of both Singaporeans and China nationals.

NUS’ Office of Safety Health And Environment Said:

According to the NUS’ Office of Safety, Health and Environment, staff and students who are on leave of absence and who have tested negative for the coronavirus “must also remain in their place of isolation (home or individual hostel rooms) to complete the full 14 days of quarantine, as required by the university”.

However, one student pointed out on Facebook page NUSWhispers that “relying on students to self-quarantine themselves” is not a good enough measure.”

In response to this concern, NUS Dean of Students Leong Ching assured that NUS has implemented a “very strict regime against students breaking the leave of absence”.

This strict regime includes immediate suspension for a month for offenders, aka students who have returned from mainland China in the past two weeks and who have broken quarantine, attended classes or failed to see a doctor when sick.

Other similar offences will be punished in the same way, such as making a false travel declaration, or those who fail to declare their recent travel to China.

“One who flouts the leave of absence must weigh the risks of immediate suspension against the relatively minor inconvenience of social isolation for 14 days.”

Let’s hope that those who are affected will exercise responsibility and isolate themselves for the 14 days. Stay safe everyone.

Watch this for a complete summary of what REALLY happened to Qoo10, and why it's like a K-drama:

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Siti Hawa
Email: [email protected]