Exercisers can now enjoy using once again the Academic Oval inside the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus, following minimum health protocols.
Starting November 7, the Academic Oval has been open twice daily at 5:00-9:00 am and 4:00-8:00 pm.
“Anyone roaming or loitering around the Academic Oval after 9 am and 8 pm will be asked to immediately leave the premises,” UP Diliman said.
The University reopened the 2.2-kilometer Oval to the public for de-stressing activities or exercises such as walking, jogging, running, yoga, stretching, and tai chi after almost eight months of closure.
While biking remains prohibited along the Academic Oval, UP Diliman allows bikers to use other campus roads for the meantime. Cars cannot use the Oval, but car owners who want to exercise may park their vehicles along Lakandula, TM Kalaw, Quirino, Delos Santos, Delos Reyes, and Magsaysay.
School officials instructed those who wish to enter the campus to wear face masks and face shields, and to bring with them their own rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizers, following safety protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “Physical distancing of two meters shall be observed at all times and will be enforced by the University’s security personnel,” a memorandum from UP Diliman reads.
Individuals aged under 15 and over 65 will be denied entry to the Oval.
Group exercises are also limited to a maximum of 10 participants while social gatherings such as picnics are still not permitted.
Visitors are told to only use the washroom located at the lower ground floor of Quezon Hall.
The reopening of the Academic Oval at UP Diliman is part of the school’s updated post-enhanced community quarantine guidelines that “reflect the easing of restrictions” by government authorities while ensuring the safety of University stakeholders.
“Individuals who do not feel well must stay [at] home,” the University said.
“Everyone is reminded to be responsible for the well-being of others,” it added.
Last August, UP Diliman opened the College of Science (CS) Oval to campus residents to test the University’s capacity to manage its public spaces. De-stressing activities are no longer allowed at the CS Oval area with the reopening of the Academic Oval.
