Perspective Chapter: Prevention of COVID-19 at Our University

Abstract

With the rapid spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, many universities switched to online classes to promote social distancing and reduce the risk of infection. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, however, requested universities hold face-to-face classes whenever possible. Therefore, after the national emergency was lifted, our university, the Kinjo University in Hakusan, launched the “Kinjo Infection Control Team” to help prevent infection on campus. Our university was one of the first universities in the Hokuriku region to resume face-to-face classes. Infection control teams were originally organized at hospitals and other medical facilities by professionals specializing in infection prevention and control. Although our university did not have an affiliated hospital, we had medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, as well as virology researchers, who conducted environmental patrols, hand hygiene education and monitoring, and infection education for students and faculty. The most important countermeasures against the spread of infectious disease in universities are the maintenance of the campus environment and the behavioral changes of students. To maintain a safe learning environment during a pandemic, it is necessary to consider the best measures to prevent infection from various aspects so that we can avoid spreading infectious diseases, and also maintain maximum student activity and provide a safe learning environment at all times.