The IIT-Madras group is “a lesson for all of us,” said Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakarishnan.
The Tamil Nadu Department of Health has begun aggressive testing for COVID-19 within the IIT-Madras campus, after more than 100 people tested positive for the coronavirus. On Sunday, 71 people, including 66 students and 5 staff members, tested positive, while on Monday 33 more were found to be infected. So far, 444 people have been evaluated out of the 700 present on campus. Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan also told the media that the IIT-Madras group is “a lesson for all of us.”
Speaking to reporters, the IAS official noted that cases are sure to increase as restrictions are eased and students return to campus. He noted that this was nothing to fear and that ongoing testing and contact tracing will help control the spread. The spread of the coronavirus at IIT has been attributed to the shared dining hall on campus where residents were in close contact. Also, many were not wearing masks.
“District authorities have been emphasizing that this type of spread is possible at other universities, especially hostels. Even here, there was a common mess. We have asked that this mess be closed and prepared as a take-out option. closed spaces, crowded spaces and close contact we have to be very careful, ”said Radhakrishnan.
Institute sources tell TNM that the first case was discovered after a group of students began showing symptoms of the virus. Reports attribute the infection to cafeteria workers who tested positive on December 9. A day later the dining room was closed and food was sent to the residents’ rooms.
In a statement issued on December 13, IIT-Madras said: “The Institute has been operating in a limited capacity with only 10% students in the shelters. As soon as some students residing in the shelters reported an outbreak of cases symptomatic, The Institute has consulted civic authorities and arranged for all students residing in shelters to be screened for COVID. To be cautious, all students have been asked to remain in their rooms and are being providing packed food to students in shelters. “
IIT Madras has been allowing researchers who need to do experimental work to return to campus after a 14-day quarantine and COVID-19 testing. Our ability to quarantine (with room service) is limited, and this limits the speed at which we can bring students to shelters, the institute said.
“Some project staff who work on research projects and stay in the city have been coming to work in the labs, once the government allowed it. There is a standard operating procedure (SoP) to determine how many academics and staff of the project can work safely in each laboratory depending on its size, ventilation, etc., “the statement said. “Researchers who wished to return earlier (out of turn regarding the SoP involving quarantine before being released into shelters) could do so if they were willing to stay off campus in a similar manner to project staff, until their acceptance shift. in shelters, and as long as their laboratory could accommodate them, “he said.
They argued that IIT Madras was constantly in contact with the civic authorities and that they have been following all protocols and security measures.
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