THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas will no longer require Thomasians to declare their health status daily, except for those displaying COVID-19 symptoms, according to a memorandum released by the Office of the Secretary-General.
“[Only] those who have symptoms of cough, colds, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, sore throat with or without fever, will have to fill out the health declaration in ThOMedSS (Thomasian Online Medical Services and Support),” the memorandum read.
Students, faculty members, administrators and support staff will still be required to wear facemasks in enclosed spaces and indoor settings under the University’s updated health protocol. They are also advised to get vaccinated with COVID-19 booster shots.
The memorandum was issued days after President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. lifted the pandemic-induced state of public health emergency in the Philippines due to the decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases and the high levels of population immunity to the virus.
The UST Health Service launched ThOMedSS in 2020 to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 infection. Thomasians were required to present their accomplished health declaration upon entering the campus and its facilities from academic year 2020-2021 to academic year 2022-2023.
This academic year’s regular classes for all colleges will start on August 9, with all programs of the Faculty of Arts holding at least half of their classes onsite. F
