By Thameen Kheetan

AMMAN - Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT) students and staff members are largely adhering to a circular discouraging kissing and handshakes on campus to prevent the spread of swine flu.

After the first case of H1N1 virus was confirmed in Jordan some 10 days ago, PSUT President Hisham Ghassib issued a circular urging students and employees to refrain from kissing and shaking hands, which experts say could aid swine flu transmission.

On June 15, the government announced the first two swine flu cases in the Kingdom - two young girls who arrived in Amman on board two separate flights from the US. Fifteen cases of the disease have been confirmed so far in Jordan.

The epidemic has killed at least 263 out of 59,814 people who were reported infected worldwide since the disease first appeared in Mexico during April, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The organisation’s website stated that swine flu’s means of transmission are similar to those of seasonal influenza. “People may become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouths or noses,” the WHO said.

PSUT campus physician Dr. Ahmad Adwan agreed, explaining that “when people sneeze, they usually place their hands over their noses or mouths and then shake hands with others”.

The surgeon and urologist praised the “great awareness” on the PSUT campus, noting that he has witnessed abidance by the new circular at the university, home to some 1,200 students and 200 employees.

In light of the outbreak, Adwan recommended that students and staff members refrain from close physical contact, Ghassib told The Jordan Times in a phone interview yesterday.

“I took his advice seriously and issued a circular,” the PSUT president said, adding that the new regulations are not obligatory, but rather to “encourage” people on campus to minimise direct contact during the swine flu outbreak.

He noted that many are trying to follow the circular, with some ignoring its recommendations.

“I, myself, sometimes forget,” Ghassib admitted, noting that he expects “social customs” of kisses, hugs and handshakes to return once the Kingdom is free of the H1N1 virus.

Hazem Jasser, a PSUT employee, said he abides by Ghassib’s circular, explaining that he only waves his hand to greet his colleagues.

“I influence others by my new behaviour,” he told The Jordan Times, noting that people at the university are overcoming traditional habits and becoming more cautious when greeting each other.

A third-year student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she agrees with the circular.

“The pandemic is spreading and we should protect the students and staff members,” she told The Jordan Times.

But her colleague Gabi Zumot said he finds the suggested measures “impractical”, as he spends a lot of time with friends, which makes avoiding contact difficult.

“The campus is small and we meet many people everyday… we do not always exchange kisses, but we give each other ‘hi-fives’,” the animation major told The Jordan Times.

He said students also may exchange textbooks and notebooks, thus facilitating possible transmission of swine flu.

The second year student believes his classmates, who are starting the summer semester today, will not abide by the circular.

“This is nonsense,” he noted.