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SruthySusan.Ullas@timesgroup.com
16.12.2020
Bengaluru: The cluster outbreak at Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, which led to the campus being temporarily shut down, has triggered concerns over the safety of students on campuses in colleges in Karnataka.
At IIT-Madras, more than 180 students and residents were found to be infected and experts say fear of similar outbreaks in campuses in Karnataka would not be unfounded since students are tested only once — before they get back on campuses. This is unlike some countries in the West where students are tested every week, experts say.
They say campuses in the US have been able to open only because of aggressive testing. For example, in New York University, students are expected to undergo tests every week. They are also expected to complete a ‘daily screener’ — a self-reporting form — before entering any NYU building.
Reports say some universities even built their own labs since test results were otherwise delayed. For example, University of New Hampshire, conducted over 250,000 tests in the fall semester in its own lab where students performed self-administered nasal swabs. Syracuse University built its own lab within the biology department.
“Periodical testing is required on campuses,” admitted Dr CN Manjunath, director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sciences and nodal officer for Covid testing and labs in Karnataka. “We can gauge prevalence only if tests are conducted. If prevalence is low, testing frequency can be altered. Tests should not only be conducted on students, but also teaching and non-teaching staff, who keep travelling and live in clustered homes. Complacency at this stage will lead to a second wave.”
However, doctors point out that a model of weekly tests is impossible in India due to the sheer numbers.
“As a state, we can look at 1lakh testing per day,” said Dr V Ravi, former head of the department of neurovirology, Nimhans and member of the state’s Covid-19 technical advisory committee. “We have several multiples of students than those on campuses in the West. We have around 8 lakh SSLC students, 6 lakh PU students and many more in colleges. We can only test students once and later if they develop symptoms.”
Colleges also say frequent Covid tests on students is difficult if near impossible. “Pupils were uncomfortable getting tested even before reporting back to college. Attendance remained low initially because they were scared to undergo the mandatory test,” said the principal of a management college.
KR Venugopal, vice-chancellor, Bangalore University, said “We could test students today and they might get infected the next day. How often can we test students? The current protocol is ideal. Thus far, no cases have been reported.”
BADLY HIT: Schools and Child Welfare Association members and teachers held a protest on Tuesday demanding reopening of schools
