As most of its staff return to the office, the University of Malta is ramping up its cleaning and disinfection efforts, implementing stringent infection prevention measures to ensure the safety of all UM community members present on campus. These measures are in conformity with the guidelines issued by the Health Authorities, and are being implemented by the University’s Estates, Facilities and Capital Development Directorate.
Firstly, outdoor areas within campus are being disinfected on a regular basis by personnel from the Cleansing Department in protective gear. The Cleansing Department forms part of the Parliamentary Secretariat for Consumer Protection & Public Cleansing.
Areas being disinfected include the entry to campus from Mater Dei’s side (next to the security guards), the steps and ground near Gateway Building, all the outdoor seating areas, and the quadrangle, among others.
Secondly, staff members reporting to work on campus are having their temperature checked every morning. Temperature control is carried out in at entry points or gates across University by means of non-contact thermometers. A single access entrance in each building is ensuring monitoring of the flow of people in and out of each building.
Face masks are being provided to all staff members, and need to be worn whenever they visit another office, and at the office whenever a 2-metre distance between employees cannot be maintained. UM drivers and those making use of UM transport are also being asked to wear a mask or visor during their trip.
Hand sanitisers are being installed at the main entrances of each buildings, and staff members shall sanitise their hands upon entering any building.
Furthermore, notices are being affixed at the entrances of buildings discouraging non-essential visits.
“Returning to normality will undoubtedly require a period of adjustment for us all, but I want to personally thank all of you for your continued support and commitment to the University”, UM Rector Prof. Alfred J. Vella told staff members in an official communication.
"In alignment with public health recommendations, and in close monitoring of the evolving situation in Malta, the enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols being put in place are proof that we are proactively taking all the necessary precautions to keep our community safe. We thank all of our colleagues who are embracing the challenge and working towards protecting their peers", said Clayton Xuereb, Manager at the UM's Precincts Office.