COVID-19 alert leads UNAM to resume use of face masks on campus

On August 7, students at UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) will return to classes; however, they may face health threats that in 2019 sparked a pandemic affecting more than 260 countries and territories around the world: Coronavirus Virus.

The number of cases of the coronavirus and its variants has increased in recent weeks, according to the U.S. Supreme Institute; to that end, he called on the entire student body, including students, faculty and administrators, to again use masks or masks.

PUIREE (University Initiative for Research in Epidemiology and Emerging Risks) revealed in a press release that COVID-19 was “widespread at the community level in much of the country”; but when he referred to “hospitalizations, deaths, virus The variation remains the same,” he emphasized.

Although UNAM explained that the situation was “relatively calm and generally good,” it asked to be monitored for cases of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, pneumonia or others.

People with symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever or nausea should self-isolate for three to five days. The National Autonomous University of Mexico advises: “It is recommended not to self-medicate, seek medical assistance or follow-up visits to monitor the progress of the disease so that complications can be detected in time.”

And, while not mandatory, education authorities recommend the use of masks “if they are in the company of multiple people for more than 30 minutes in enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation” if the above symptoms are present.

Workplace and personal hygiene is another measure recommended by the Supreme Institute. For anyone who needs information or has special concerns, you can email covid19@unam.mx.

As of August 1, PUIREE has not reported an increase in COVID-19 cases on campus, nor has it reported any hospitalizations or deaths.