College teachers to undergo Covid testing, DAV takes lead

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 21

As part of reopening and the standard operating procedures issued by the government, city colleges will also commence Covid testing drives on their campuses in the coming days.

DAV College, Hathi Gate, has already got its teaching staff tested for the infection. “The reports of all staff members have been found to be negative,” said Principal Rajesh Kumar.

He said they divided their staff members into two batches for a hassle-free testing. On October 15, 60 staff members were tested for Covid while the samples of 84 were taken on October 17. Other city colleges, including BBKDAV College and Khalsa College, are planning to launch similar drives in the coming days.

District reports 50 fresh cases

The district on Wednesday reported 50 fresh cases of Covid and one fatality due to the infection. The deceased was a 93-year-old man from Bal Kalan village on the Majitha road. A total of 52 patients were recovered from the infection. The active case count stands at 287.

Spokesperson for Khalsa College DS Rattaul said the college was partially open for teachers and students and was awaiting SOPs from Guru Nanak Dev University in this regard. “Currently, we have not made the Covid testing mandatory for our staff, but we do ask for a Covid negative certificate if any staff member joins after vacation or is newly appointed.”

Earlier, when the schools were reopened for students of classes IX to XII on October 19, it was made mandatory for teachers to undergo the Covid testing. In Chheharta, students of Government Senior Secondary School were on Tuesday taken to the local health centre for the test. The instructions in this regard were given by the principal, though the children were tested only after the parental consent.

“We don’t want to pass on the virus to our students. If this happens, the purpose of closing down educational institutions will be defeated,” said a teacher.