Only 3 of 34 Panjab University pupils take Covid test

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, May 16

Only three out of 34 hostellers underwent Covid-19 testing conducted by the UT Health Department on the request of the Panjab University authorities after coronavirus cases were reported from one of the hostels, here today.

A total of 55 persons, including 34 students, were asked to undergo mandatory Covid testing.

While students remained adamant, others, including mess workers, hostel staff and workers, underwent Covid-19 testing and their reports are awaited.

“On the request of the PU authorities, officials of the UT Health Department visited girls’ hostel numbers 1 and 2 to conduct Covid testing of staff members and students. However, when the team reached the venue, students started protesting against conducting their tests. Out of the total 34 students, only three underwent testing from girls’ hostel number 1,” stated a PU spokesperson.

“Meanwhile, 17 staff members from girls’ hostel number 1 and 13 from girls’ hotel number 2 underwent testing. Student leaders threatened to one of the wardens on telephone and asked the official to stop counselling of residents for rerunning home. They rather advised the official to do academic work only,” said the spokesperson.

“The PU authorities are spreading lies over students obstructing the Covid testing process. Testing should be voluntary to which the authorities had agreed. Hence, their statement

is contradictory. The authorities have become habitual of defaming students,” stated a statement issued by the SFS.