/ Published in Health and General Wellbeing

Back to Campus

As the world is gradually starting to reopen its economic and social activities after the initial phase of the global pandemic, many people are skeptical about the possibilities of returning back to normal. While getting back to campus is a gradual phase, we must ensure that there are adequate procedures in place to protect ourselves, others and prevent further spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

While scientists are continuing to make new discoveries about the means of spreading the virus, it has been established clearly that exposure to contaminated surfaces, airborne particles at close range and infected human to human contact are the major methods of spreading. People infected with COVID-19 mainly manifest the below symptoms:

  • Dry cough.
  • Tiredness.
  • Fever.
  • Body pain or fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Sore throat.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea.

Therefore, everyone must continue to follow the basic preventive measures:

  1. Commit to proper hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap and water (MOST PREFERABLE) or use of hand rub sanitizers for 20 seconds.
    Washing hands with foam soap. Hygiene, preventing coronavirusWe must be cautious of

    1. Flashpoints (surfaces that can easily be accessible to the touch of hands) such as handrails, door handles, chair hand rest, computer keyboards, tap faucets, money.
    2. Human to human contacts such as handshakes, hugs.
    3. Exchange/sharing of items such as mobiles phones, documents etc.
  2. Sneeze/cough into flexed elbows or tissue papers, and dispose properly to contain airborne transmission and contamination of surrounding surfaces.
    Sick young guy sneezing at home
  3. Go out only when necessary and maintain a safe physical distance of two meters in all public places.

The AL HOSN application is an effective tool, especially in public places where keeping physical distance can be challenging. As an effective tool for contact tracing, persons who might have been in close contact with another person who is tested positive will be notified to go for a test.

NOTE: All KIC students and staff who wish to enter the campuses must take a COVID-19 PCR test, receive a negative result, and download AL HOSN app.
How to use Al-HOSN APP: https://www.ncema.gov.ae/alhosn/index.html

4. Always wear a mask in public places and when caring for the sick while at home.

Other issues to consider as well as protecting ourselves is the need to safeguard those who are 50 years and above and people with underlying health issues who are vulnerable or at greater risk when exposed to the virus.
It is therefore our civic and moral responsibility to reduce the spread of the virus (sometimes described as “flattening the curve”) by following reliable guidelines from local and international government agencies.

Therefore, as we plan to return to work and study on campus premises, we must have the following in mind:

  • If feeling sick or caring for the sick, please contact your line manager or faculty head to report your concerns and stay home.
  • If a friend or colleague that you share the same space with is unwell or feeling sick, please contact your line manager or faculty head and discuss your concerns.

Tips for healthy living during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
1. Healthy Diet:
A proper healthy diet rich in natural vitamins and mineral boosts the immune system, giving our body better chances to resist the virus.
2. Exercise:
Physical activities help strengthen overall body health and mental wellness. Choose from the countless number of indoor/outdoor exercises available and endeavor to make it a daily routine.
3. Sleep well:
The body recovers from stress and develops new body cells when we are asleep. Keeping a healthy sleeping routine is beneficial for the overall body health.
4. Stay positive:
Avoid psychological and mental stress that comes from too much attention to the speculations of unreliable news, which often exaggerate the impact of the virus. Stay informed only by checking government agencies and reliable news channels.
5. Avoid unhealthy lifestyle choices:
Smoking, abusing alcohol, lacking exercise, unhealthy eating, and poor sleeping habits can cause underlying health issues or harm our body physically and mentally, thereby weakening the body’s immune system and increasing the risk of exposure to the virus.

 

Access KIC COVID-19 POLICY AND PROCEDURE

 

KIC COVID-19 protocol for entering the campus