Five Himachal agriculture university hostels made containment zones

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, January 9

The district administration today declared five hostels of the HP Agriculture University, Palampur, as containment zones following the detection of 51 Covid-19 cases among students.

Palampur SDM Ritesh Guleria said the entire complex of Gauri Hostel, Rukmani Hostel, Parvati Hostel, Dhauladhar Hostel, and Shivalik Hostel had been declared containment zones. Also, the premises of Kailash Bhavan and farmer’s hostel have been declared as buffer zone with immediate effect, after 51 hostel inmates tested positive. They have been kept in isolation in the hostels.

The SDM said the step had been taken for the safety and security of staff and students. Section 144 of the CPC had been promulgated in the area to avoid crowding. Essential commodities shops such as those selling milk, fruits, vegetables, medicines, eggs, meat and grocery, would be opened as per the time fixed by the administration. The situation will be reviewed again after two days, Guleria stated.

He said despite repeated requests, residents of the town were not following safety guidelines issued by the government. The administration had requested the residents that in case of cough, cold, fever, and chest infection, they must visit the nearest health centre for Covid test. The administration had also initiated large-scale testing, which was also conducted at the local bus stand today. More teams have been kept on stand-by for testing in the town, the SDM said.

Regular announcements were being made, requesting the students to stay inside and cooperate with the administration. Students were assured that the administration had made adequate arrangements for the supply of essential goods and helplines numbers had also been given for medical emergencies, he added.