To: Academic Community

From: Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC, President and Chancellor

Re: Confirmed Case of INFLUENZA A and CAMPUS CLOSURE

De La Salle University announces the closure of the campus from June 4 to 14, 2009 in view of its confirmed case of the Influenza A N1H1 virus. Based on existing Department of Health Guideline on A(H1N1) in schools, DLSU will reopen on June 15.

The case is a female foreign student who arrived in the country on May 12. DOH confirmed today, June 3 that the student contracted the virus.

The student has been admitted in a healthcare facility and is being closely monitored by medical practitioners.

DLSU officials have met with DOH Secretary Dr. Francisco T. Duque III and are closely coordinating with other Department of Health key personnale regarding the case.

Prior to the incident, the University has instituted campaus wide precautionary measures such as information dissemination regarding the INfluenza A H1N1 virus.

During the closing period, the Academic Community is advised to monitor flu-like symptoms, to stay way from crowds and practice good hygiene. If symptoms appear, the person should immediately seek medical attention. They should also inform the University Clinic of their Condition by sending their full name and ID number through email at clinic@dlsu.edu.ph.

The community is also advised to regularly check the DLSU website at www.dlsu.edu.ph/Influenza_bulletin for updates and developments on the issue, and announcements on the rescheduling of University events and activities etc. For inquiries, the Marketing Communication office may be reached at 526-5913 during office hours.


It was around 4:45 when a Discipline officer came to the 2nd floor of our school's library and shouted "Uwian na, ineevacute namin yung school. May student na nahanapan ng H1N1." (It's time to go home, we're evacuating the school. A student was found to be carrying H1N1).

When my friend, Eka, and I got out of the library, everyone crowded the walks leading to the South Gate. It was the first time I've ever seen that many people in the hallways. I hated it - noise, over-panicked students pushing and shoving. Ughh, chaotic. The train station was full, too. I was able to ride only after 20 minutes or so, and it was still jam-packed with people.

It was only when the train left the station that what happened just sank in: an H1N1 case in my own school. I suddenly became paranoid about a lot of things like whether I know the student who contracted the virus, if I may have been classmates with him/her, was I in the same place as him/her, stuff like that. I don't think I know him/her though. I have classmates who are sick, (heck, even I'm not feeling too well) but none of them look sick enough to be carrying H1N1.

So now, DLSU will be closed for 10 days, as instructed by the DOH. We La Salle students are instructed to be on self-quarantine. We are not to go out of the house for safety measures. GOSH, 10 days inside my room - how... boring. I honestly wish classes weren't suspended. On top of the 10 days that will eventually lead me to get bored with the internet, the term just started and I'm enjoying myself. The subjects I'm taking are very interesting and my professors are really good too.

*sigh* Oh well... It's for our good anyway. I'll just have to find something to do to keep myself entertained. Take care, friends.