Five Himachal Agriculture University Hostels Declared as Containment Zones

Soon after the discovery of 51 Covid-19 cases among students, the district government declared five hostels at the HP Agriculture University, Palampur, as containment zones. Palampur SDM Ritesh Guleria said the entire Gauri Hostel, Rukmani Hostel, Parvati Hostel, Dhauladhar Hostel, and Shivalik Hostel complex has been declared containment zones.

In addition, the premises of Kailash Bhavan and the farmer's hostel have been declared a buffer zone with immediate effect, after the positive detection of 51 hostel inmates. They have been kept in isolation in the hostels. 

The SDM stated that the action has been taken to ensure the safety and security of staff and students. To avoid overcrowding, Section 144 of the CPC had been implemented in the area. Essential commodities stores, such as those selling milk, fruits and vegetables, pharmaceuticals, eggs, meat, and groceries, would be opened as per the time fixed by the administration. The situation will be reviewed again after two days, Guleria stated. 

He said that, despite repeated requests, residents of the town were not adhering to government-issued safety guidelines. The government had asked individuals to go to the local health center for a Covid test if they experienced a cough, cold, fever, or chest infection. The government 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, suggesting that students remain indoors and cooperate with the administration. Students were assured that the administration had made adequate arrangements for the supply of vital products and helplines numbers for medical emergencies had also been provided, he added. 

Omicron Variant Updates: 

In the last 24 hours, India recorded 1,68,063 fresh Covid cases and 277 deaths. The Covid-19 statistics on Tuesday are lower than the previous day's record of 1,79,723 patients, according to the health ministry. The total number of deaths are 4,84,213, while the tally of infections has reached 35.88 million.