COVID-19: 53 tested +ve so far at IISc Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The total number of Covid-19 cases at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru has risen to 53, the institute said on Tuesday.

According to the information  this number includes 15 students who have tested positive for novel coronavirus so far, two employees living on campus, two family members of employees living on campus, 21 permanent and temporary employees living off-campus, two family members of IISc employees living off-campus, seven pensioners and four family members of pensioners.

According to experts, based on collective evidence of Covid-19 cases in the state, most sufferers, especially those without co-morbidities test negative for the virus between seven to 11 days.

IISc said that most of the students hit by the virus were asymptomatic and “are being treated in a Covid Care Centre managed by the campus Health Centre doctors.

However, according to a source, other students from the New Girls Hostel (NGH), which is at the epicentre of the student outbreak, are also showing symptoms and are said to be under observation.

Among the faculty members infected, one had also tested negative upon retesting, IISc added. Three people have died among the 53, including a family member of one of the employees living off-campus and two pensioners.

At the hostels, strict physical distancing measures are being implemented. Dining at the mess, where staffers were infected, is restricted. Students are asked to take their food to their hostel rooms in their own lunch boxes.

Arrangements have been to provide food and essential items for residents when a floor is sealed in the event of a student testing positive, the institute added.

(Agencies)