LAL-LO, Cagayan- Due to the emergence of FLIRT variant of the COVID-19 virus, the university has announced Wednesday, May 29, 2024, the mandatory wearing of facemask within the university premises.
The university administration emphasizes the importance of adhering to this new mandate to safeguard the health and safety of all students, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff.
“To safeguard ourselves and others, we must all take precautionary measures. Henceforth, wearing face masks within the university premises is mandatory beginning today, May 29, 2024,” the announcement relays.
Along with the mask mandate, the university urges everyone to follow basic health protocols such as regular handwashing, practicing proper coughing etiquette, avoiding crowded spaces, and refraining from close contact with individuals displaying flu-like symptoms.
By enforcing these health protocols, the university aims to protect the community and ensure a safe environment for learning and working, highlighting that the health and safety of students and staff are among the utmost priorities of the administration.
“Your health and safety remain our utmost priority and we appreciate your cooperation in efforts to curb the spread of this new variant. Let's collaborate to maintain the well-being of our university community,” the bulletin states.
The FLIRT strain, which includes the KP.1 and KP.2 variations, is a subvariant of the J.1 strain that caused a rise in infections earlier this year.
The FLIRT strain has been reported globally and is considered a significant threat due to its potential for increased transmissibility. As a subvariant of the J.1 strain that first surfaced late last year, the FLIRT strain has already contributed to an uptick in infections earlier this year.