PolyU announces special work and teaching arrangements against the possible spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Further to the precautionary measures released on 25 January, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has implemented additional measures including work from home arrangement for staff and online teaching for students in order to reduce the risk of possible spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The details of the measures are as follows:

1. Special work arrangement will be implemented after the Lunar New Year holidays (starting from 29 January) in order to reduce the risk of the spread of 2019-nCoV in the community. Except for staff of the departments providing emergency services and essential activities, such as preparation for quality online teaching from 10 February as informed by respective Head of Department (HoD), all other employees are not required to return to the offices but to work at home after the holidays. The measure will be implemented tentatively until 2 February and the Senior Management will review the situation before then.
2. Face-to-face teaching will be suspended from 3 to 16 February but the University will provide online teaching (plus e-learning) from 10 to 16 February. The University will review the situation and make necessary arrangements for the period after 16 February in due time.
3. All large scale activities such as workshops, conferences and symposia will be suspended until further notice. Staff are encouraged to use online facilities for meetings and discussions.
4. The HKSAR Government has decided to impose restrictions on all Hubei Province residents and people who have visited Hubei Province in the past 14 days from entering Hong Kong until further notice. Staff members who fall into this group of people should report their situation to the HoD with relevant information for exceptional approval of absence from duty. Staff and students who have visited Hubei Province in the past 14 days should also report their situation to the HoD with relevant information for the neecessary follow-up actions.
5. Staff and students returning from the Mainland are required to complete an e-Travel Declaration Form. They are strongly advised to wear masks on campus and closely monitor their health conditions.
6. All hall residents and their visitors are required to take temperature and report their recent travel history and health condition at the student hostel entrances. For hall residents who have developed a fever or suspected symptoms of 2019-nCoV, the University will immediately assist them to seek medical treatment.

As the situation will continue to evolve, the University will keep abreast of the latest development and inform its staff and students of any new arrangements pertaining to the disease. All members of PolyU are reminded to practice strict personal hygiene and adhere to the necessary precautionary measures.