NEW DELHI: University of Delhi San Esteban College has become a Covid-19 access point with 17 students and staff members positive test for the disease. The teachers alleged that this occurred after a “chapel trip” by the students to Dalhousie.
Sources said the university brought a group of students over the mid-semester break to Dalhousie, from where they returned on March 31. The shelters were opened for students on January 10. As a few stayed in the shelter, 25 of them were taken on the trip. They were evaluated after they developed symptoms of the disease. Even a dean, butler, and security personnel reportedly tested positive.
One student, on condition of anonymity, said: “The students were taken on the annual trip like every year. As of Friday afternoon, 17 people had tested positive. The university has not issued any notice on the matter. ”
Associate Dean Chinkhalun Guite issued a notice on Friday that read: “All young members of the residence who are currently on leave are hereby advised to stay home until further notice.”
Teachers who live on or off campus are very concerned that blended learning takes place at the university. A member of the governing body wrote to Director John Varghese and the University of Delhi raising questions on the matter.
The letter mentioned: “In light of the reports from students, non-teaching faculty members and some officials, I would like to receive the following information. Did some students at the hostel test positive for Covid after April 1? Is it true that two officials had accompanied a large group of students from the hostel on a trip to Dalhousie in the last week of March? Why was this trip organized during the pandemic? Was the trip authorized by the principal and was parental consent taken to do so? ”
It was also asked in the letter if permission was asked from the university and the Delhi government to organize the trip. The GB member also asked why the university authorities had not informed students, teachers and employees about the large number of positive Covid cases on campus. “Is not withholding information on the presence of positive cases a violation of the Covid protocol?” he asked further.
Varghese did not respond to the email sent by TOI. However, a message sent by a university official to teachers said: “It is a bit late, but I would ask for everyone’s cooperation regarding our current situation. Currently, we have 12 students and two staff members who are positive for Covid. The university is strictly closed until Monday. ”
The note to the teachers who stayed on campus asked them not to receive guests from outside. “Domestic workers can get permission through the dean’s office. The inner campus is off limits until further notice, ”he added.
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