On February 19, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) COVID-19 Prevention Working Group (Working Group) held a meeting to discuss the efforts made to protect the SUSTech community. University Council Chairperson Guo Yurong chaired the combined on-site and video conference meeting and featured all the leaders, including President Chen Shiyi, Vice Chairperson Li Fengliang, Vice President Lu Chun, Vice-President Zhang Dongxiao, and Acting Vice President Zhao Yusheng.

The Working Group discussed an array of arrangements during this challenging period. They updated the arrangements for scientific research, laboratory management, and the return of staff to campus. All attendees agreed that it was vital to preserving high standards of education and scientific research while working hard to maintain the health and safety across campus.

The Working Group pointed out that laboratories will gradually open over the coming weeks and months. All units need to remain unswervingly dedicated to their scientific research while operating under national, provincial, and municipal health departments regulations. They will also need to uphold their high standards in laboratory safety management.

The Working Group discussed the best way to plan and arrange work for the return to staff to campus, given the various regulatory issues facing the SUSTech community as they return to campus.

On February 17, the Presidential Executive Council met via video-conference to discuss the next step of managing COVID-19. The Presidential Executive Council discussed the current efforts in prioritizing the well-being of everyone at SUSTech while minimizing disruption to our students’ education. They highlighted the fact that education and research have not stopped, even if people are not on campus.

The Blackboard teaching platform has been just one of the programs that have been used by educators to provide a positive teaching environment. The preparation by the entire teaching community has ensured that students can get high-quality education to which they have become accustomed.

The Presidential Executive Council emphasized the importance of prevention and control of COVID-19 for all units. They said that every unit needs to continue improving its laboratory management systems within the ambit of the regulatory requirements aiming to prevent and control COVID-19.