‘IIT Bombay brings masks back in classrooms as Covid cases surge’ – Hindustan Times

Mumbai: Rising Covid-19 cases in Mumbai have brought the focus back on pandemic-appropriate behaviour as educational institutes are all set to reopen for the new academic session. Many institutes have started encouraging students to wear masks on campus and maintain distance in public places.

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), which started physical classes and lab sessions in February, has asked students to opt for masks while in classes. Over 30 Covid-19 cases have been reported on campus since last week.

IITB director Subhasis Chaudhuri said, “We shall follow whatever is the prevailing norm in Mumbai/Maharashtra. As of now, we are encouraging students to wear masks in classrooms.” No facilities or activities have been shut down on campus.

Educational institutes were shut down in March 2020 following the nationwide lockdown to check the pandemic before the reopening started in October 2021. Physical classes resumed in schools by December.

The colleges were reopened in a phased manner for fully vaccinated staff and students. All institutes were asked to adopt for hybrid teaching mode before they were shut down again in January because of an increase in Covid-19 cases. Two weeks later, educational institutes reopened for hybrid classes starting January 24.

The Covid-appropriate behaviour was followed until April 2 when Maharashtra lifted all pandemic-related restrictions due to decreasing number of cases. Masks, too, were made voluntary.

“We cannot go back to online classes. Students have lost out on education and holistic growth by missing physical classes. Instead, colleges should encourage social distancing, sanitisation as well as compulsory masks to avoid the spread of the virus,” said the principal of a suburban college, who did not want to be named. She added most University of Mumbai (MU)-affiliated colleges are scheduled to reopen on June 13.

Neha Jagtiani, principal, R D National College, Bandra, said, “Without a circular from the university or the government, we cannot force anyone to follow rules. Instead, students and parents should use their own good judgement and continue following Covid-appropriate behaviour and ensure this virus does not affect their education.”

Repeated calls to MU spokesperson for comments went unanswered.