– Maria Kwak
A conference was held between the residents at USJ Residential Hall and USJ Rector Father Peter Stilwell on the 4th of February, 2019. With the mediation of Ben Lei, Head Residential Hall Office, the conference was realized via the Google Hangouts Meet (video-conference format) in compliance with the preventive measures set by the DSES (Higher Education Bureau of Macao Government) due to recent developments in the novel Coronavirus epidemic.
Fr Peter communicated the issues that may need some immediate attention to ensure the well-being of the residents. Concerning the residents who need access to the library, all USJ students are provided with virtual access to the library network and may request specific resources in soft-copy. In compliance to the guidelines set by the DSES, the university academic staff are making arrangements which will allow the students to carry out their academic pursuits in a distance-learning format.
In response to those who wish to return to their home countries soon, students were advised that there are options for international flight connections from Macau or other major Asian cities. This will allow the students to travel with minimal risk in case they decide to take this option. The bridge connecting Macau to Hong Kong is still available while the ferry service between Macau and Hong Kong has been suspended, effective from 12 midnight, the 4th of February, 2020.
Currently, protective masks are only available to Macau permanent and non-permanent ID holders as well as blue card holders.
To accommodate the non-local students and visiting academics who may be experiencing shortage of protective masks, the University has arranged the sale of masks on Thursday, 6th February at Ilha Verde Campus and Seminary Campus. Local government guidelines allow each person to purchase a maximum of 10 surgical masks at the cost of MOP 8 with his or her passport every 10 days.
Most of the residents are non-local students. In the USJ community there are around 30 international and exchange students from various countries. As a Catholic higher education institution, USJ is committed to handle the situation with the humanistic approach in every way possible. Faculty members, students and staff who may find themselves in need of counselling or spiritual guidance, professional counselling and pastoral support is available through the Counselling and Chaplaincy Services.
Follow
