In a setback to the city administration’s efforts in controlling Covid-19, there has been a sudden spike in cases at IIT-Madras, with the campus being placed under temporary lockdown.

According to sources, 71 Covid cases were reported in the last two weeks, of which 66 are students, four mess staff and one from resident quarters.

In view of the outbreak, the government has directed the institute to test all the students on the campus.

Issuing a circular in this regard, IIT-M said, “In view of the recent spike in Covid cases in the hostel sector, it has been decided to shut down all departments, Centres and the library immediately until further notice. All faculty, staff, project staff and research scholars will work from home until such time. All students, scholars and project staff staying on campus are advised strictly to confine themselves to their hostel rooms and maintain social distance at all times for their own safety. The advisories issued earlier by administration, Tamilnadu government and government of India are to be fully complied with. In case of any symptoms of Covid (fever, dry cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of taste/smell, or any other symptoms), you are required to contact the IIT Madras hospital authorities immediately.”

The campus authorities meanwhile, have stated that they are working concurrently with the civic body, and that packed food is being sent to all students in hostels, thus eliminating the need for crowding in the mess, which was initially cited to be the cause for the infection to have spread.