The decision was reached after a number of students were reported to experience flu-like symptoms.
In a statement sent to SunStar Cebu, UP Cebu said 32 students experienced cold or flu symptoms from April 24 to May 4 with two of these students testing positive for Covid-19 after taking a rapid antigen test (RAT).
The students consulted the campus clinic either through its online service or on-site.
UP Cebu has a total student population of 1,739.
Safety protocols
A memorandum released by UP Cebu Chancellor Leo Malagar on May 3, states that the transition to online classes apply to all courses, with the exception of select classes that need access to studios or laboratories, as well as the high school program.
The select classes will continue to be conducted in campus under strict adherence to the safety protocols.
UP Cebu assured that the campus will remain unrestricted and services will continue to be available.
Within the one week period, UP Cebu will conduct a thorough disinfection of all classroooms.
UP Cebu also reminded its students and faculty to remain vigilant and to continue following the health and safety protocols.
Mild cases
Meanwhile, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH 7), said on Wednesday, May 3, the agency has recorded only an average of 20 Covid cases per day since March.
According to DOH 7 Director Jaime Bernadas, Covid-19 cases in Central Visayas have not increased significantly in recent weeks.
“The Covid-19 cases are only ranging around 10 to 30 cases per day in the past two months. We have not observed a spike in cases or cases that went more than those numbers,” he said in Cebuano.
As of Tuesday, May 2, a total of 627 active Covid-19 cases in Central Visayas were recorded, of which 17 were new infections.
“We do not see an increase in our admissions because now our hospitals do not have alarming admissions due to Covid,” said Bernadas, adding that most of the detected Covid-19 cases are mild.
“If you contract Covid and you are fully vaccinated, most likely you won’t reach the severe stage. You will just feel the symptoms of mild colds and cough,” he added. (JJL, KJF)