With 33 new +ve cases, IIT-M Covid tally 104 since Dec 1

With 33 new +ve cases, IIT-M Covid tally 104 since Dec 1

Most Cases Are From Two Hostels

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai: 15.12.2020

At least 33 people tested positive for Covid-19 at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras on Monday, taking the case tally on the campus to 104, including 87 students. Test results of nearly 400 more people are being awaited.

The institute had reopened for final year students on December 1.

Besides students, 16 mess workers and one staff member residing in the guest house have tested positive. More than 90 people who tested positive were admitted to an isolation ward at the King Institute of Preventive Medicine in Guindy. “At least 23% of those tested so far were positive. But doctors told us that tests including X-ray and CT scans show mild infection. All patients are stable and are being closely monitored,” said health secretary J Radhakrishnan, who visited the hospital.

He later visited the campus and held discussions with IIT-M director Bhaskar Ramamurthi. “All residents on the campus have been tested. We are also asking those who visited the campus in the last 15 days to get themselves tested,” he said. Chennai Corporation regional deputy commissioner (south) Alby John said the campus has been fumigated and all residents have been tested. "We have asked people to wear masks and maintain social distance at all times," he said.

While classes are being held online, the academic zone, including departments, labs and libraries, is shut. Students have been asked to quarantine themselves in hostels. A spokesperson said most cases were reported from two hostels, apart from a few cases from seven other hostels.

On Monday, several students said the management was not isolating those with symptoms of the infection until tests results arrived. “A student with fever, cough and cold is drinking water from the same tap we use and is using the same toilet. We are afraid that other students may get infected," said a student of a masters degree programme.

CAUTION NEEDED: A view of the IIT Madras campus. On Monday, health secretary J Radhakrishnan held discussions with institute director Bhaskar Ramamurthi to take stock of the situation