The University of Cape Coast has announced coronavirus precautionary measures that will see all its staff members currently out on international travels, quarantine themselves for at least five days upon their arrival before reporting to their offices on campus.

The school, which is the first in Ghana to officially issue such measures, explained it is to prevent staff, the student body and the entire university community from contracting the virus which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.

The novel coronavirus has infected more than 115,800 people — including at least 1,000 in the US — and killed over 4,200 worldwide since it broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan, according to CNN’s tally.

In Ghana, all 57 suspected cases recorded as of March 11, 2020 have proved negative, while neighbouring Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire and Togo, have all recorded confirmed cases of positive cases of coronavirus.

Ghana has been stepping up its preparedness to contain any case that may be recorded, and taking various steps, including travel ban on all public officials, as part of measures to prevent the country from recording any coronavirus.

“Staff already out on international travel should inform the University on arrival by contacting 0244785230 and self-quarantine for at least five days before they report to the office,” a statement issued by the University management directed.

Further international travels by the university staff have been suspended while all incoming and outgoing exchange programmes as well as international visits of professors, foreign partners and collaborators have also been suspended until further notice.

Also, management has until further notice, suspended all conferences which were scheduled to be hosted by the University

The University said it was working to provide hand sanitizers at vantage points on campus and has accordingly asked heads of departments and office holders to provide same in their respective offices.

Programme organisers on campus have also been directed to make hand sanitizers available on site

It has also advised against body contacts and handshakes.

The University said “there is no need for anyone to panic”.

It said the Central Regional Health Directorate, University Health Directorate, School of Medical Sciences and the School of Nursing will collaborate to sensitize members on the COVID-19.