Universities in Tomsk to resume in-person classes from May 12 following COVID-19 outbreak.
Getting Back to Classrooms in Tomsk: A Rundown
It's time to shed some light on the plans for resuming on-campus learning in Tomsk's major educational institutions — the Tomsk State Pedagogical University (TGPU), Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU), and Sibir State Medical University (SibGMU). As of May 6, 2021, These universities are set to welcome students back to on-campus classes starting May 12.
Early Shutdowns, Cases, and Recoveries
Back in April, the three universities initially closed their doors due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
- SibGMU moved to online learning starting on April 12.
- TPU followed suit, switching to remote learning on April 21.
- TGPU joined the shift online on April 24.
As of April 28, medical personnel at SibGMU, TPU, and TGPU confirmed 31 cases of COVID-19 among students. Additionally, 13 students were suspected of having contracted the virus, but their diagnoses remained unconfirmed.
A TGPU press officer shared with RIA Tomsk that a student with initial infection suspicions did not prove positive for COVID-19. Beginning May 12, the university will reinstate the regular, on-campus learning format.
A representative from TPU's press office reported to RIA Tomsk that as of May 6, only one student was experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 on their campus. No new cases have been reported since April 28. Similar to TGPU, TPU will also resume on-campus classes on May 12.
Alexander Ratckin, SibGMU's pro-rector for youth policies, informed RIA Tomsk that as of the same date, there were no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students or staff at the university. Previously, nine laboratory-confirmed cases had been recorded among the student body. Starting May 12, SibGMU will resume on-site learning for all students and interns across all programs.
Safety Measures in Place
During class sessions in lecture halls, seminars, and clinical settings, mask-wearing is mandatory at SibGMU to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. implementation of strict safety protocols is essential in universities to protect students, faculty, and staff during this transition period[2].
Other precautions may include increased sanitization of facilities, socially distanced seating arrangements, and potentially mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff. Universities may also implement hybrid learning models that combine remote learning with in-person classes to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
- The Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) has implemented a mandatory mask-wearing policy in all lectures, seminars, and clinical settings to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
- In an effort to protect students, faculty, and staff during the transition back to on-campus learning, universities such as Sibir State Medical University (SibGMU) and Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) are increasing the sanitization of facilities and enforcing socially distanced seating arrangements.
- Universities like Sibir State Medical University (SibGMU) and Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) are considering implementing mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff to ensure a safe and healthy education environment.
- As part of a comprehensive approach to regulating health and safety during the resumption of on-campus learning, some universities may opt for hybrid learning models that combine remote learning with in-person classes to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, further enhancing the quality of education and self-development opportunities in science, medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, and education-and-self-development sectors.
