The University of the West Indies (UWI) yesterday said classes will be held on the Mona Campus as scheduled today – the start of the new academic year – and assured the public that the outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) that has affected three students is being monitored.

The UWI also said that in order to reduce the risk of exposure, all non-essential meetings and social events that were scheduled to take place at the campus for the next seven days have been postponed.

On Saturday, the university informed the country that three students had contracted the virus – more popularly known as swine flu. But yesterday, the authorities said that no further cases of the virus had been confirmed. However, 100 students had reported flu-like symptoms.

“These students are receiving medical attention and are being carefully monitored,” the UWI said in a news release. “The university has also implemented recommendations for care made by the public health authorities.”

The decision to go ahead with classes today was taken at a meeting between Professor Gordon Shirley, principal of the Mona campus, and members of the campus administration yesterday morning.

Coming out of the meeting, the university administration advised staff or students who may have symptoms of influenza to stay home and away from other people, as well as to seek medical attention.

“Affected persons should not report to the campus until they have been properly assessed and it is determined by the health provider that there is no longer a risk of spreading the flu,” the UWI said.

“Persons who are already on the campus and who have flu-like symptoms should stay away from other persons.

Affected members of staff should notify their dean or head of department of their condition. Students with flu-like symptoms should inform the University Health Centre or the student services manager on hall or the Office for Commuting Students so that appropriate arrangements may be made for care,” the university added.

Non-Jamaican students with such symptoms were also advised to report to the student services manager or resident advisors in the hall of residence to which they have been assigned, or go to the University Health Centre, which will be open on the weekend.

“The UWI, Mona continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and once again wishes to assure the public that the situation is being closely monitored by the administration and the public health authorities,” the release said. “Steps are also being taken to minimise the spread of the infection. Members of the university and wider community will continue to be updated as necessary.”