34 infected students of Horamavu nursing college in isolation, nearby residents to be tested: Health Minister
BENGALURU:
After a nursing college in KGF found 32 Covid-positive cases, another educational institution, Christian Nursing College in Horamavu of Bengaluru, has reported 34 Covid-positive cases among its students. In view of this disturbing trend, colleges in Karnataka have been instructed to be vigilant over students returning from other states, Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said on Friday.
Speaking to the media after inspecting the college, the Minister said 34 out of its 300 students had been infected. They have been shifted to Covid Care Centres, and the college has been sealed for 7-8 days. Besides, the area has been declared a micro-containment zone and 700-800 residents in the vicinity will be tested as a precautionary measure, he said. The Minister stressed that all schools and colleges must follow Covid guidelines.
Kerala the ‘culprit’
Karnataka is an educational hub and many students come here from across the country. There are about 800 nursing colleges in the state. All the students who are infected are from Kerala and West Bengal. Their samples will be sent for genomic sequencing as well, Sudhakar said.
With neighbouring Kerala still witnessing a high number of cases, students from that state must possess a negative RT-PCR report and must also have received a vaccine. Managements of schools and colleges must verify this requirement strictly, the Minister said.
Visited the Christian College of Nursing in Horamavu where 32 students have been tested positive for Covid19.
— Dr Sudhakar K (@mla_sudhakar) September 3, 2021
Instructed the college management to check RT-PCR negative reports of students coming from other states and take precautionary measures as per guidelines issued by Govt. pic.twitter.com/ryaRKAWTMv
Govt caution on Ganesha fest
“The Ganesha festival is a sensitive and emotional issue. But we must not forget that Covid went out of control in Kerala due to Onam and Muharram. We are trying to avoid such a situation in Karnataka. The government will take an appropriate decision considering all aspects,” Sudhakar said.
“Since schools have reopened, we have been very cautious about children’s safety. The government has taken as much responsibility as parents. We have also taken measures for strict surveillance at bus and rail stations,” the Minister said.
