Pune: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) is advising the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) about implementing precautionary measures to bring 'COVID-19' cases under control in Pune city, however, on the other hand, the prevalence of COVID-19 is increasing in the varsity campus itself, which has created panic among professors and staff residing there.
Although cases in Pune city are increasing every day, the Pune University campus which has about 3000 people staying in the campus. The whole area was safe in the initial phases, but as the unlock phase began, COVID-19 patients were identified on the campus. However, there is fear among the professors and staff as information is not shared in time.
Affected guardsĀ of Pune University and Maharashtra Security Force are deployed at all the buildings and entrances of Pune University. One of the security guards had tested positive for COVID-19 recently, after which contact tracing was done. About 200 guards were tested of which 23 were found to be COVID-19 positive. All of them are currently lodged in the quarantine centres at Garware and COEP colleges.
Patients were found in the examination and estate department two or three weeks ago at the university. An officer in the examination department and an employee of the estate department had tested positive for COVID-19. Also, a senior professor has succumbed to the infection recently. This has led to panic in the university.
A professor, on condition of anonymity, said, "COVID-19 can happen to anyone once the office resumes. A large number of patients were identified in the security department itself. The administration should immediately inform all if anybody tests positive for COVID-19 so that everyone will be alert. Professors, officers and staff living in Pune University campus are under fear."
A staffer, staying in the varsity quarters said, "Initially, there were no cases of COVID-19 at the university, but now the number is increasing. University should take necessary preventive and precautionary measures. University must also give official information regularly about the number of persons on the premises infected with COVID-19."
Dr Prafull Pawar, Registrar, Savitribai Phule Pune University said, "Pune University is on high alert with regards to COVID-19 infection spread. A security guard has tested positive for COVID-19 after which 200 people were traced and tested. Of those 200, about 23 of them had tested positive for the infection. We are taking timely precautions. Also, action will be taken against those who do not wear masks in the university premises and office and thereby violating the rules."
