Intranet
tr
Home
NORTHERN CYPRUS CAMPUS

Precautions Regarding the Novel Coronavirus

Precautions Regarding the Novel Coronavirus
(Last Update: March 18, 2020)

Please scroll down for Frequently Asked Questions about the Novel Coronavirus Precautions

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading fast and the threat caused by the virus is unfortunately growing. To continue to protect the health of all our students and staff members, we have taken the following precautions:

  • In line with the decision of the TRNC Council of Ministers dated 10 and 13 March 2020, all in-class educational activities, examinations and conferences have been cancelled until Friday, 27 March 2020, the end of the day.
  • Events organized by the student associations, and activities that require travelling en masse, have been suspended.
  • Travels that are not essential have been cancelled.
  • The travels of part-time instructors that should take place during this period have been suspended until Friday, 27 March 2020, the end of the day.
  • The administrative units of the Campus continue to provide services for the implementation of the necessary measures.
  • To keep our students away from the crowded places, restrictions have been imposed on the working hours of the on-campus facilities and enterprises, in line with the decisions of the TRNC Council of Ministers. The latest updates are available at the Question-Answer section provided below.
  • Cleaning and disinfection operations are carried out in accordance with defined objectives across the Campus in the facilities that are still in use.
  • All dormitory managers are at work to organize the precautions to be taken in the dormitories. All dormitory buildings have been washed and disinfected. Students' dorm rooms have been disinfected. The common areas in the dorms have been washed and disinfected. Plus, the frequency of clean-ups of rooms has been increased. The common areas in the dorms such as toilets, dorm entrances, corridors, kitchens, study halls, and lobbies are frequently disinfected throughout the day. Hand sanitizers have been placed in the dormitories and students are requested to ventilate their rooms and sanitize their hands frequently. Disinfection will take place every day. In addition, the work of dormitory staff is monitored and the dormitory canteens are frequently examined.
  • Medico provides 7/24 health service. Students can either call 1920 or send a WhatsApp message to +90 533 850 58 26 to contact the Medico.
  • The indoor areas of the Sports Center are not available for use since disinfection has started in the building.
  • All academic buildings will be disinfected and closed in accordance with the required procedure. All surfaces are sterilized with bleach, and then with alcohol. In particular, surfaces contacted frequently such as computers, desks and doors have been sterilized.
  • The entrance and exit checks have been increased at the Campus gates.
  • The Guesthouse has stopped providing accommodation to non-METU members.
  • The regular checks at the eating & drinking venues have been increased. Care is taken at the highest level to ensure that hygiene measures are implemented in these venues.

The escalation of panic that accompanies the rapid spread of the virus in society makes it difficult to manage the crisis. During this period, it is an individual and social responsibility to take necessary precautions and stay calm by acting rationally. Please be aware of the false information that could be posted via unreliable sources on social media. Follow the secure and official resources such as World Health Organization (WHO) Knowledge Base carefully. You can also watch this informative video published by METU. Prevent the spread of any information that has not been verified by health authorities. Avoid panic-buying; it is not really necessary to buy large quantities of perishable foods that have a short shelf life. Please keep in mind that this will not benefit you in the long term

To be protected from coronavirus, it is necessary to wash hands frequently, to use a napkin when coughing or sneezing and dispose the napkin used immediately, to avoid close contact with people except when it is really necessary, to avoid from crowded places and travelling. Indoor environments should be frequently ventilated. After taking the necessary precautions, it is of great importance to act with lucidity, to stay calm and not to panic in order to prevent the spread of the virus. All units of our campus are actively working to take the necessary measures and protection. Please make use of the hand sanitizers provided in various areas of the Campus. Ventilate your living areas frequently and reduce contact with others to avoid exposure to the virus. Please contact Medico immediately if you experience fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.

We are sincerely aware that the current situation can be financially and psychologically exhausting. We are working tirelessly to eliminate or minimize the challenges. We believe that, by taking the required measures, we will overcome this crisis as soon as possible and without casualties and we want to thank you for your responsible and robust attitude during this period. Thank you for implementing the individual precautions carefully and cooperating with us regarding this issue.

Novel Coronavirus Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions

Academic Issues
 
On-Campus Life and Health

Academic Issues

Q: When will classes restart?
In line with the decision taken by the TRNC Council of Ministers, educational activities have been suspended until March 27, 2020.

Q: Is there a possibility that the duration of suspension of classes could be extended?
With respect to the date of restart of instruction, decisions of the TRNC Council of Ministers are binding. We have been closely following the decisions announced by the Council of Ministers and sharing them with you without delay after their evaluation is completed. You will absolutely be informed on any change concerning the start date of instruction

Q: How will the rest of the semester be planned? Is there a possibility that the semester might be extended? When will the exams be held?
At the moment, the most important priority of both public institutions and our campus is to overcome the coronavirus crisis within the shortest time possible and without loss of lives. Towards this goal, we put in all our efforts. We will inform you as the work relating to the restart of instruction, and the planning of the courses and exams, progresses.

Q: Will I experience any unfair treatment within the process of the restarting of instruction? Will I be marked absent in class if I return to the TRNC from abroad and self-isolate for 14 days? Will I have any problem with taking the exams?
Before the instruction is restarted, we will definitely evaluate the situation of and possible risks for our students who stayed in the TRNC or went home during this period. We will absolutely avoid any decisions and practices that will put your health at risk or that will make you feel aggrieved. You therefore do not need to worry about issues such as exam taking or absenteeism in courses.

Q: Will online instruction be available to students?
Yes, starting from March 23, 2020 the academic term will continue with distant education. Please check your inboxes and contact your instructors for details.

On-Campus Life and Health

Q: What is the procedure that applies to students returning from international travels?
The TRNC Council of Ministers has imposed an entry ban on citizens of the specified 71 countries and on persons travelling to Northern Cyprus from these countries. This ban also applies to students and people with work permits. With the latest decision of the TRNC Council of Ministers, all persons allowed to the country will be taken to an observation centre for a 14-days quarantine. This rule applies all persons, including TRNC citizens and persons with study/work permit. This regulation will be active until further notice. Our students and staff members who will return from abroad must carefully follow the announcements we will make, in accordance with this rule, and plan their return accordingly.

Q: What are the 14-day self-isolation guidelines for students staying in the dormitories?
Official authorities have not yet provided information on the self-isolation quarantine procedures that apply to students travelling to the TRNC from abroad. Our university is making negotiations with the relevant authorities on how to plan this process. It is our top priority to safeguard your health and well-being when making decisions and implementing practices.

Q: Will the indoor gym be open for use? Why is it closed?
The indoor gym is closed for use to prevent the spread of the virus. No matter how meticulously you disinfect the hall, it is obvious that individuals who do sports in an indoor environment will not be able to comply with the rule of maintaining a distance of at least 1 meter from those around them. For this reason, the indoor gym will remain closed in line with the coronavirus precautions. Plus, in accordance with the decision taken by the TRNC Council of Ministers, all sports halls (and all businesses other than those providing basic services) have been temporarily closed. Outdoor sports areas are available for use.

Q: Why is the shuttle not running between the Campus and Güzelyurt?
Our shuttle service was stopped because the public transport activities have been suspended in accordance with the decision of the TRNC Council of Ministers.

Q: Will Medico continue to serve?
Yes, the Health Center (Medico) continues to serve 24 hours a day.

Q: Which units of the Campus continue to serve?
The following Campus units serve at specified times. Please note that mandatory arrangements can be made in these services with any new decision taken by the TRNC Council of Ministers:

Health Center (Medico): 24 hours
Student Development and Psychological Counseling Center: Weekdays 08.30-17.30
Library: Weekdays 13.00-15.00 (Borrowing service only)
General Purpose Computer Lab: 13.30-20.00
Cleaning and security services are provided without interruption.

Q: How will I get support from the Student Development and Psychological Center during this period?
After logging into the address https://his.ncc.metu.edu.tr with your Student ID and password, you can fill out the Individual Psychological Counseling Application Form. The Center will contact you via e-mail to arrange a psychological counseling session. Please check your e-mail box frequently.

Q: Which enterprises give service on the Campus?
The enterprises that currently give service on the Campus and their service hours are listed below. Please note that mandatory arrangements can be made in these services with any new decision taken by the TRNC Council of Ministers:
Lemar: 08.00-20.00
Cafeteria (A'la Carte): 11.30-14.00 (lunch) / 17.00-19.00 (dinner)
Dorm I Canteen: 08.00-20.00
Dorm II Canteen: 08.00-24.00
Dorm III Canteen: 11.00-21.00

Q: Are the dormitories cleaned?
Yes, the dormitories are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Although the disinfection work is carried out without interruption, it is important that students who stay in dorms should also take care of their areas of use.

Q: Who should I contact if I have a problem with the dorm where I am staying?
You can contact the manager of your dorm to solve your problem quickly.

Q: How can I reach the announcements and notifications made by the Campus Administration?
The main channel of communication that we use to inform our students and staff members is e-mail. In addition, you can reach the announcements by following the Facebook and Instagram pages METU Northern Cyprus Campus Life.

Q: How can I contact you if I have a question other than those answered here, and a request or suggestion?
To reach us, you can fill out a form in the feedback system on the Intranet page or post a message on the Facebook and Instagram pages METU Northern Cyprus Campus Life. Your message will be answered as soon as possible after being evaluated by the relevant administrative units.

LIVE CHAT