Outsiders’ entry banned on NIS campus

Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 10

Concerned over the rising cases of coronavirus, the Health Department today banned the entry of outsiders at National Institute of Sports (NIS). The decision came after six people tested Covid positive on the NIS campus. The new cases were reported from the residential area on the campus, which prompted the Health Department to take decision. 

With six more persons contracting virus, the count of Covid cases already reported on the NIS campus has risen to 49. 

The District Epidemiologist, Dr Sumeet Singh, said they had extended the containment area from hostels to some residential area on the NIS campus. 

“Positive cases are detected every time we collect samples for Covid testing. Therefore, we have directed the NIS authorities to ban the entry of outsiders on the NIS campus until containment ends,” Dr Sumeet added.

Notably, the NIS is an elite training centre. Around 26 national players, coaches and support staff had already tested positive last week.

Though, the Health Department has announced restriction on the movement, however, most security staff, including in-charge, continue to reside outside the NIS campus and commute to and fro from the institute regularly.

Besides, many clerical staff of the NIS administration also resides outside campus.

It was necessary decision to slowdown the Covid spread on the NIS campus, which had already turned a hotspot, Dr Sumeet said.