High Risk of Swine Flu

Information leaflets, disinfection dispensers and twice the amount of cleaning are some of the measures intended to prevent the spread of the virus among students and staff. University Director at UiO, Gunn Elin Aa. Bjørneboe, believes that the measures are worth the cost.

– A million is a small price to pay in order to prevent employees and students from getting ill. With 36 000 students and employees, we have a great responsibility in regard to this pandemic, and it is easier to employ preventative measures than to try to close the stable door after the horse has bolted.

Earlier this summer UiO formulated a crisis preparation plan for the pandemic, on orders from the Ministry of Education and Research. The plan is based on the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s (FHI) estimation of the level of sick leave reaching 40 percent. This estimate has since been lowered to 25 percent.

There has been an increase in the number of people infected in recent weeks, and FHI have written on their website that «we believe that we are in the first phase of the pandemic, with an extensive level of infection, also within Norway».

Prepared for high levels of sick leave

Bjørneboe emphasizes that the situation at UiO is considered on a day-to-day basis, and that plans concerning how to keep the wheels in motion are made continually.

– In the worst case scenario, the level of sick leave will be higher than anticipated, and if that happens we have planned to bring in or redistribute manpower. We are well prepared when it comes to staffing plans, Bjørneboe states.

– What will happen to exams and lectures if levels of sick leave reach a critical point?

– We have not considered cancelling lectures so far, and we plan to carry out exams as usual. If many students are ill, exams could at worst be postponed, Bjørneboe says.

She also informs us that the preparation group is holding weekly meetings to follow developments, and that they are keeping a close eye on employees’ sick leave.

Will select best method of greeting

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s recommendations regarding good hygiene and sneezing habits in order to prevent infection were not enough for the Buddy System Committee. They have their own methods of protecting the new students. During yesterday’s welcoming ceremony on the University Square, Chris Allan Simonsen, representative for the Buddy System, presented an alternative to the infectious handshake – a pat on the shoulder.

– We have encouraged each Buddy group to come up with alternative ways of greeting one another. In this way we are highlighting the issue in a humorous way, Simonsen says.

During the Buddy party on September 3rd, the most original new greeting will be selected.

Extra danger at the beginning of term

According to Marit Eskeland, leader of the Student Health Services, students will be especially vulnerable at the beginning of term, due to the STUDiO festival and Buddy parties.

– All large gatherings are potential arenas for infection.

The Student Health Services are already busy preparing for a possible pandemic.

– We have been given our own office in Kristian Ottosens Hus, where you can call if you have a question regarding swine flu in general, or wonder about something to do with your own health. A temporary doctor’s office has also been reserved, and will be taken into use if necessary, Eskeland says.

All other institutions connected to the Foundation for Student Life in Oslo have put in place similar measures in order to fight the swine flu pandemic.