CHENNAI: At least 52 first year medical students in the
Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute at Enathur in
Kancheepuram district have tested positive for
Covid-19. The management closed the hostel and shifted classes for the first and second year MBBS students to online mode.
Dean Dr K V Rajasekhar said the college had ordered RT-PCR tests after six students tested positive for the viral infection two days ago. The same day, the college informed the district public health authorities. “Simultaneously, we asked all their primary and secondary contacts on the campus to get themselves tested. Besides 228 students, hostel and mess staff and faculty members gave samples for test. And 46 students in this group tested positive,” he said.
Barring 40 final year students who are writing their exams, all others have been asked to vacate the campus. Students who tested positive for the viral infection are being kept in an isolation ward of the hospital attached to the medical college.
District public health officer Dr V K Palani said the condition of all students was stable. “We have advised other students who tested negative to be in home quarantine,” he said.
Tamil Nadu health secretary J Radhakrishnan said clusters like educational institutions and workplaces were going up across the state. Last week, there were clusters of cases in educational institutions in Thanjavur. “We are asking colleges to ensure social distancing at all times. If there are students in the hostel, they should be asked not to crowd in the dining rooms and other places. Mask and social distancing norms must be followed at all times,” he said.