MANILA, Philippines ?Big universities are calling on students and employees to take precautionary measures by washing hands, using hand sanitizers and even using facial masks as the Commission on Higher Education said the opening of classes at the college level will push through on Monday amid the growing number of students testing positive for the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

CHEd executive director Julito Vitriolo also said there was a need to "change the approach" in fighting the virus, saying suspending classes "will no longer be an effective measure."

He said the Department of Health should come up with a "new strategy" because postponing and suspending classes "cannot be sustainable."

The CHEd had postponed the opening of college-level classes from June 8 to June 15 after students from the De La Salle University tested positive for the virus.

The DoH said the number of DLSU students with the flu has reached 13. The De La Salle College of St. Benilde also reported its first confirmed case.

Vitriolo said that as of Wednesday, there was no change in the rescheduled date of opening of classes.

The Ateneo de Manila University also said its Loyola Schools would be pushing through with the school opening on Monday despite the suspension of classes in its elementary and high school levels after three high school students tested positive for the virus.

AdMU public relations head Sonia Araneta said classes at the elementary level would resume on Monday while those in the high school level would resume on June 22.

Several campuses earlier postponed their school opening: The University of Santo Tomas would reopen on June 15; University of the Philippines in Diliman on June 16; Far Eastern University on June 17; and University of Asia and the Pacific on June 22.

Vitriolo said schools should focus on preventive measures at the community and individual levels. He said students should strengthen their immune system by taking vitamins while those coming from foreign countries should go on self-quarantine for 10 days.
He also asked students and teachers to "avoid opportunities of contact."

Citing the DoH's recent statements, Vitriolo said the students found positive for the virus were responding to medication, proving that the virus which hit the country is "mild."

Through website announcements, big schools also urged their students and teachers to be cautious.

The FEU website said: "Everybody is advised to wear masks and to wash hands as often as possible."

The UAP also asked students and employees to "always bring with them an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, practice frequent and proper hand washing, and strictly observe the proper etiquette if one is coughing or sneezing."

The DLS-CSB, whose classes would resume on June 19, asked its students and employees "to monitor flu-like symptoms, to stay away from crowds, and to practice good hygiene" during the 10-day suspension.