Updated: Lagos medical college shut as students, workers contract COVID-19, contact tracing begins

The Lagos State University College of Medicine says it has shut down its campus in Ikeja after some students and members of staff of the institution tested positive for COVID-19.

Head, Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations of the Lagos State University, Ademola Adekoya, confirmed this in a statement titled ‘Lagos State University College of Medicine close hostel as three students test positive for COVID-19’.

The student union, in a separate statement, said the test results showed that some students and workers of the college were COVID-19 positive.

Adekoya said those affected had been isolated; their roommates already being tested, just as the authorities had begun tracing all those that must have had contact with the affected students.

Part of the statement read, “The management of Lagos State University wishes to inform staff, students and the general public that three students of the Lagos State University College of Medicine have tested positive for COVID-19 leading the college to immediately close down all her hostel facilities.

“In addition, stakeholders are also informed that roommates of the three students who tested positive and their associates are being tested.

“The college already isolated the affected three students and has commenced contact tracing of all affected students.

“The hostel facilities were immediately closed for decontamination upon confirmation of the status of the affected students.

“All students of the College have been advised to proceed home to self-isolate for the next 14 days from where their health status will be monitored by the College. Phone numbers/contacts of all students are already obtained to that effect.

“Any students showing symptoms at home are to contact the college through dedicated lines for necessary assistance/treatment.

“Meanwhile, the college has handed treatment packs to all three who tested positive.

“The college is also providing psychological support to the three students who tested positive and their roommates.

“Parents, guardians and the general public are assured that the safety of all staff and students is of top priority and the Lagos State University as a whole will continue to enforce compliance with COVID-19 guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety of all within her campuses.

“Management also again enjoins all students, staff and the general public to take personal responsibility and continue to observe COVID-19 guidelines as the virus is real and deadly.”

The student union’s statement said the provost of the college mandated every student to evacuate the hostel and isolate themselves at home for two weeks with effect from Friday January 15.

The union said courses and examinations had been put on hold, adding that a communique containing modalities for school resumption would be circulated after the two-week isolation period.

It said, “Owing to the present reality of the COVID-19 we are faced with and after an evidence-based investigation that some students and college staff have been confirmed positive for coronavirus, the provost has mandated that every student to evacuate the hostel and isolate themselves at home for the next two weeks effective from Friday 15th January. This was a decision made at an emergency academic board meeting.

“The provost advised that any student with likely/ classical symptoms of the virus should fill a form which shall be sent across board in the shortest time possible and the concerned individuals shall be called upon for testing tomorrow whilst they await the results of their test at home.

“The provost also reiterated that the college isolation bay would be set up within the two weeks of isolation and complete evacuation of students from the college arena.

“We strongly encourage everyone to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines as stated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in a bid to help mitigate the spread and impact of the deadly virus within and beyond the college arena.”