COVID-19 Omicron India: IIT Bombay, NITIE ban students from leaving campus

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), also in Mumbai, have banned students from leaving the campuses given the rising number COVID-19 cases in Mumbai, especially of the Omicron variant.

“According to the IITB Covid taskforce decision, there will be a blanket ban for everyone residing in campus and staying in hostels to visit outside the campus on December 31, 2021, and January 1, 2022,” said a letter from IIT Bombay ’s associate dean of student affairs to the students sent on Christmas day, December 25.

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Similarly, NITIE Mumbai has banned students from leaving the campus on new year’s eve and new year’s day, December 31, 2021, and January 1, 2022. “The National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) informs everyone that students residing in campus hostels are not allowed to go outside the campus on December 31, 2021, and January 1, 2022,” said an email from the dean, student affairs.

NITIE Mumbai instruct students to not leave the campus on December 31 and January 1. (Image source: Wikimedia)

Omicron: Covid restrictions in Maharashtra

Both institutions have allowed exits for medical emergencies, and for those who are going home or travelling for academic purposes. In such cases, students have to secure prior approval.

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“Exit will be allowed only for medical emergencies and to those who have already booked travel tickets to visit home or other purposes associated with academics. In such cases, students will be permitted only with prior approval of the competent authority. The approval should be taken on or before December 30, 2021,” says the letter sent to IIT Bombay students.

There has been a surge in Covid cases in Mumbai. Rules regarding going outside the campus after January 1 will be reviewed in accordance with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) guidelines.

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Presently, there are 11,492 active COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra with an alarming rate of increase in Mumbai. Maharashtra’s school education minister, Varsha Gaikwad , has also tested positive for the virus.