By E Julu Swen
March 18, 2020 | MONROVIA, Liberia (UMU News and West African Writers.org)
The Administration of the United Methodist University of Liberia (UMU) on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, suspended classes and all campus based students’ activities for two weeks on the university campuses around the country. The decision was taken following the pronouncement by the government of Liberia that COVID-19 is now in Liberia. “We are under obligation to protect the students, faculty, and administrative staff on the university,” Dr. Albert Coleman, President of the university said. He also indicated that staying healthy must now be the concerned of all United Methodist University of Liberia family.
He emphasized that the university will now be managed by a Special Health Safety Committee until Liberia is declared free from the Coronavirus Pandemic. He pointed out that the committee along with the skeleton staff of the university will ensure that all health protocols are observed at all UMU facilities around the country. The committee will procure protective gears, thermometers, sanitary equipment during the compulsory break from regular university activities,” Dr. Coleman asserted.
The Special Health Safety Committee is headed by the President, Dr. Albert B. Coleman and Co-Chair by Dean Clinton Zeantoe of the Health Science College of the University. The nine members committee will ensure that all of the health protocols announced by the Liberian health authorities are duly observed by all those that will be visiting the UMU campuses.
The administration is also encouraging students to continue their registration process online if they can manage to do that from home. Dr. Coleman pointed out that minimum engagement with the working staff of the university will be encouraged, but with caution. “During this compulsory break from school, UMU students are encouraged to observe and obey all other regulations that will make them safe from COVID-19 wherever they will be,” Dr. Coleman warned.
On Monday, March 16, 2020, the Liberian President George Manneh Weah announced that the first case of COVID-19 was recorded in Liberia. Among the several measures announced by the President Weah was a ban on “public gatherings” in large numbers.