IIT Madras Covid-19 cluster grows to 183 , state healthy secretary takes stock

The first case here was reported on April 19 after a student from the IITM hostel tested positive for COVID, prompting health officials to start testing all of his contacts. Subsequently, two more students tested positive on April 20, triggering the spread further across the entire campus.

Chennai: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) on Friday reported eleven fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the tally from the IITM to 183, even though the authorities had earlier assured not to worry about cases. The institute continues to be open and functional despite the cluster of cases reported about two weeks ago. Meanwhile, the infected patients, some of whom are also infected with the new variant Omicron BA2, are undergoing the required treatment in isolation.

The first case here was reported on April 19 after a student from the IITM hostel tested positive for COVID, prompting health officials to start testing all of his contacts. Subsequently, two more students tested positive on April 20, triggering the spread further across the entire campus. Though most of the infected students exhibited only mild Covid symptoms, they have been quarantined on the IITM campus. Out of the total 7,490 students currently enrolled in the institute, 7,104 have undergone Covid tests so far.

As per the data received from the institute, thirty-three people recovered from the infection and are currently kept under observation for seven days at a separate hostel on the campus. Meanwhile, 150 people are currently under treatment at Kaveri Hospital, while three people are with comorbidities. Four of the infected people are Assistant Professors and are currently isolated in their homes.

The Chennai Health team has also been deployed here to monitor the affected people. Moreover, the college authorities have asked people to get themselves tested in case they observe any COVID-19-related symptoms and advised everyone to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and practice all COVID-19 safety protocols.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan visited the campus on Friday to take a stock of the situation and the treatment there. As informed by him, the state government and the IITM authorities are trying to prevent the infection from spreading outside the campus.