Covid 19 India: JNUSU demands isolation centre on campus after case in Godavari hostel

Following a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) has urged the vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit to establish an isolation centre in JNU. The demand comes after the alleged detection of a Covid case in the university’s Godavari hostel.

In a mail to JNU VC, dean and registrar, the student group asked for setting up of a COVID care centre, medical supervision to those in isolation, testing facilities, and sanitisation measures.

“We are writing to bring to your immediate attention the detection of a COVID-19 positive case in Godavari Hostel, JNU. Given the highly contagious nature of the virus and the precedent set by the Honourable Delhi Court in 2021 (which directed the establishment of a COVID Care centre within JNU), it is imperative to take swift action to prevent further spread,” the students’ union said.

In light of this development, the student body requested the following:

• Immediate setup of a COVID care centre in JNU to quarantine-affected students and prevent community transmission.
• Adequate medical supervision, including regular health monitoring and necessary medical supplies for those in isolation.
• Sanitisation and safety measures in the hostel and surrounding areas to curb further infections. The university health centre should also make arrangements for testing facilities for the JNU community.

“Given the urgency of the situation, we urge your office to take prompt action in compliance with public health guidelines and the earlier court directive. Your swift intervention will greatly help in safeguarding the health of students and staff,” JNUSU said.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 3,395, with Kerala having the highest at 1,336, followed by Maharashtra and Delhi, as per official data. According to the data, four deaths -- one each in Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh -- have been reported in the country in the last 24 hours.