Payap University Announcement
Subject: Preventive Measures Related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

There have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 (first identified in Wuhan, China, formerly 2019-nCOV, or 2019 Novel Coronavirus) in Thailand from both infected travelers and locals who have been in contact with infected individuals.  Although the current number of confirmed cases in Thailand is still limited, Payap University nevertheless feels it prudent to provide its faculty, staff, and students with helpful guidelines in order to avoid possible exposure to COVID-19 and/or actions in the case of exposure. 

1. All Payap University faculty, staff, and students should avoid or postpone trips to or transit through countries/territories which have a high number of confirmed cases of COVID-19. 
2. Referring to number 1, if such trips are unavoidable, all Payap University personnel are encouraged to take steps to avoid exposure to COVID-19 by wearing a hygienic mask, washing your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, and avoiding crowded public places.  Should anyone develop COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, they are strongly encouraged to report to and request assistance from the Thai Embassy/ Consulate or your Embassy/Consulate in the country that you are physically present. 
3. Payap University faculty, staff, and students who travel to or transit through countries/territories which have a high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and then pass the virus screening at the point of entry/airport are strongly encouraged to conduct self-monitoring for a period of 14 days, avoid public gatherings, avoid the sharing of personal properties, wear a hygienic mask at all times, measure their body temperature two times a day, and also follow the preventive measures recommended by the  Ministry of Public Health of Thailand.
Should a Payap University faculty, staff, or student develop symptoms of COVID-19 such as coughing, running nose and/or high body temperature (above 37.5 Celsius), they are strongly encouraged to report to and to undergo screening of COVID-19 at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Nakornping Hospital or a hospital with the same standard of COVID-19 screening.

4. All Payap University faculty, staff, and students who are confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19 are required to take sick leave until they are fully recovered.  This absence will be considered an authorized absence and not counted as leave.
5. Additional measures include avoiding and/or postponing invitations to personnel abroad who are currently in countries/territories with a high number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.

This includes invitations for seminars, conferences, exchange programs, and other activities, with the exception of invitations for projects/activities that have been scheduled prior to this announcement.  Any guests from abroad who came from countries with a high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases are strongly encouraged to follow the measures cited in paragraph 3.
Payap University respectfully requests your cooperation and prayer to the Lord so that we will all get through this challenging time together.  May God bless you all.

February 25, 2020.

Ammuay Tapingkae, PH.D.
       Interim President