Chandigarh: Covid sampling done at Plaksha University, classes resume

Chandigarh: After several students of Plaksha University complained of cold, sore throat and fever over a period of three weeks, the health department yesterday began sampling for Covid on its campus. Over 38 students out of a total of 500 had reported symptoms of flu-like illness over a period of three weeks on the campus. “Covid sampling was done on the campus on Sunday. None was found to be asymptomatic. We are now awaiting the test reports. Students have been asked to take precautionary measures,” said Dr Renu Singh, civil surgeon, Mohali.

The students said rapid antigen tests (RATs) were conducted for the affected students a few days ago. Later, a girl student was reportedly found Covid positive at her home in Gurgaon. According to university officials, as a precautionary measure, classes were held in online mode from Wednesday, after which some students had gone home. Today, physical classes resumed. Most of the students have returned to the campus.

No university official was willing to come on record about the situation. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Viraj C Tidke has asked the officials to submit a report on the incidents that took place at the university since August 21. Established in 2021, Plaksha University, located in Sector 101 here, is one of the emerging universities in the region focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It offers interdisciplinary courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.