Myo Thiri Kyaw — Plans to mitigate the risk of coronavirus contagion have been arranged for more than 4,000 students who are currently sitting exams at Sittwe University, according to university officials.

Dr. Khin Maung Zaw, Sittwe University’s deputy head professor, said a team from the university administration in cooperation with the Department of Health had placed water and soap around the university campus and arranged to provide hand gels and masks for teachers.

“If students or teachers feel sick or have a cough, we will give them a mask. We don’t have enough masks to distribute to all of the students. That’s why we aren’t giving masks to all of the students, but we will provide them whenever the students need to use them,” he said.

The Department of Education has instructed universities nationwide to provide water and soap, hand gel and masks, and to ensure that students use them systematically.

Dr. Khin Maung Zaw said that cars were ready to transport any student who falls ill to hospital, and an extra room was also prepared for students exhibiting symptoms of sickness to sit the exam separately.

“We have arranged the private exam room for those who are sick or having a cough,” he said.

The Sittwe University Students Union, however, suggested that the coronavirus preventive measures fell short, and called on university authorities to step up their efforts during the testing period, which runs from March 18-25

“There is a clinic at the university but it doesn’t work and is closed. If the virus spreads, the situation could be worse here. We don’t have anything for protection. It isn’t enough just to give a water bucket to wash hands. It should be more than that,” Students Union information officer U Kyaw Naing Htay said.

The Sittwe University Students Union released a statement on March 17 noting that as the Arakan State capital and biggest city in the region, Sittwe is a transit and gathering point for many people and as such is at increased risk of coronavirus infection and spread.