Updated: December 16, 2020 4:05:04 pm
At least eight residents of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chennai tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday, taking the number of infected on campus at 191. Meanwhile. six students also tested positive at Anna University College of Engineering, Guindy campus. The institution decided to conduct tests after two students living on campus complained of fever.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the IIT campus, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr. J Radhakrishnan said: “We have been saying this over and over again, not wearing masks could increase the risk of becoming infected with the virus. While we eat, we must remove our masks and therefore we must ensure that we maintain social distancing. Few small mistakes will cause great danger. As I said yesterday, we will initiate actions of the management that is missing to implement these things ”.
The health secretary also asked the students not to panic. “Packaged food is being provided to students inside the shelters. We interact with students today, we must give them confidence. In addition, we have ordered testing of people working on construction sites, we are going to start the bus stop campaign, drivers and bus drivers are not following safety measures. People should avoid gathering in large numbers in marriage halls, funerals. The vaccine will definitely arrive and we will stop the disease gradually, ”he said.
Radhakrishnan was accompanied by Adyar Thiru Murugan Area Officer, Health Director Dr. Jagatheesan, and other Corporation officials. The backlog of cases at IIT-Madras has prompted the government to instruct officials to monitor other colleges and universities across the state.
S Iniyan, dean of the Guindy campus College of Engineering, said the six students who tested positive are asymptomatic. “Yesterday 500 samples were taken and today 200 more samples will be taken. Students who tested positive for Covid-19 showed no symptoms. We hope they recover soon. There is no obligation for students (for physical presence in the classroom) at all. If they want to attend classes online, they can. We will not accept any assistance. We are following all security precautions issued by the government, ”he said.
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