Coronavirus: JNU advises students to leave campus

NEW DELHI: Students of Jawaharlal Nehru University have been “strongly advised” to leave the campus amid the coronavirus scare on Monday.

An official notice stated that the hostel services in the university will be “basic” for foreign nationals and others who are staying back for valid reasons. The university is home to many underprivileged students.

Such students are to follow strict rules issued earlier to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus through social contact. Guests and outside food will not be allowed inside the hostels.

The notice, issued by the registrar, Pramod Kumar, also ordered for the formation of a volunteer committee under the supervision of superior warden to keep a check on adherence to the rules.

Gatherings inside the hostel have been banned too.

Many institutions, including ones that had earlier suspended classes without emptying the hostels, are now asking students to leave the campus.

Jamia Millia Islamia University and the University of Hyderabad issued similar notices advising students to go home “for their own safety”.

The decision to send the students away in a pandemic situation has been criticised by the public health experts.

Campus shutdown

The university announced the suspension of all classes till March 31 on Friday. Common facilities like the library, gym, yoga centre, cafeteria have been closed.
Public gatherings like conferences, seminars, workshops and cultural activities have also been suspended for the stipulated time period.

However, the offices and teachers will continue to work as per the routine.

In case of typical symptoms or contact with an affected person, students have also been advised to see the chief medical officer for early detection of disease.

Delhi University, which too suspended regular classes on March 12, has issued another statement saying "teachers have the option to work from their homes" and that they can use this period "to complete their pending research work". The libraries will be closed for students till March 31.

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