'Better be cautious than sorry': University of Hyderabad issues advisory amidst Omicron fears

NEW DELHI: Apprehensive about the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, University of Hyderabad has issued an advisory and warned students from putting their guards down within the campus. “The university cannot afford a super spreader event that will again affect our academic and research activities,” it said.

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Raising concern over super spreader events that has led to increased case positivity rate of Covid-19 in closed campuses in nearby institutions and in our neighbouring state/s, the Hyderabad University task force said there are unconfirmed reports that a campus within the vicinity of Hyderabad Metropolitan Urban Development Authority – outskirts of our twin cities has also been affected with a super spreader event.

“It is alarming that many stakeholders seem to have discontinued Covid-appropriate behaviour on the campus. Also alarming is that the campus seems to have returned to working as if during pre-Covid 19 times,” the Covid-19 advisory read.

The task force of University of Hyderabad advised the students, teachers and staff to continue to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour such as maintaining safe distance, masking/ face covering and sanitisation at all times and in all places including hostels and mess facilities.

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The university also instructed teachers to avoid organizing events/ large gatherings and exercise caution at the personal level in participating in such gatherings. It further asked to be extra vigilant and immediately report to the health centre if anybody has any health-related setbacks and take immediate recourse to available help.

The task force also advised to complete full vaccination against Covid-19 and consult the health centre for advice if they felt the need.