Two scientists not allowed to join duty at IHBT

They had travelled to Covid-19 affected countries recently

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, March 21

The CSIR IHBT (Institute of Himalayan Bio Technology) has refused to allow two scientists, who had travelled to Covid-19 affected countries recently, to join duty. Both scientist have been advised by the IHBT authorities to remain in quarantine, as per the directions of the Central Government and the Kangra District Magistrate and not join their new assignments.

Alok Kumar, Administrative Officer of IHBT, said that the scientists were appointed in the institute recently. The institute knew that they (one from Himachal and the other from Punjab) had a history of travelling to Covid-19 affected countries, therefore they had been directed via e-mail not to join the new assignments till further orders.

The IHBT has advised the scientists to remain in isolation and cooperate with the authorities. He added that he had already informed the District Magistrate in this regard.

Meanwhile, Palampur SDM Dharmesh Ramotra said that they had traced one of the two scientists and he had been quarantined. A team of the Health Department along with district administration officials visited the family of the scientist today. However, the family members showed no symptoms of Covid-19.