USU rector Runtung Sitepu said the late lecturer, identified as MHKS, taught at the School of Engineering’s industrial engineering department.

The four other lecturers who tested positive for the virus were Runtung himself, vice rector Rosmayati and board of trustees member Darma Bakti. They are undergoing self-isolation.

USU’s board of trustees and academic senate suggested closing the university from July 27 to Aug. 2.

“During the lockdown, all lecturers and staff must work from home and participate in free swab testing at USU Hospital. This must be done to curb the spread of the virus at the university,” Runtung told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

USU spokesperson Elvi Sumanti said the university had imposed strict health protocols, including routine disinfection and assigning different shifts for those working on campus. It also required all staff aged 45 and older to work from home.

“We’ve done our best to anticipate the contagion, yet there are still lecturers who have been exposed to the virus. These developments were out of our hands,” Elvi said.

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