IIT-M asks students to vacate hostels

A circular, issued by IIT-M, said, “All students, scholars, postdocs, including project staff interns and others staying in the hostels on campus, will have to vacate their rooms and follow the handover procedures followed by the hostel offices as early as possible. This instruction will not apply to international students. Please note that the hostel authority has the right to access the room in case the above procedures are not followed.”

The circular further said, “As per the earlier advisories issued by the Dean (AC) / Dean (AR) Registrar, all classes are cancelled till March 31, 2020, and exams stand postponed until further orders.”

According to the circular, students coming from abroad after attending conferences and seminars are advised to go home directly and remain there till March 31, or until further orders.

International students who have arrived at IIT-M after March 13 are advised to be under quarantine and may seek assistance from their advisors, mentors, wardens in this regard.

“Students using the messes till their departure will maintain a distance of at least one metre from the nearest person seated at their table. To avoid peak-hour crowding in messes, the timings will be staggered for groups of students and the schedule for breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be announced by the mess authorities shortly.” The release further said, “Till they vacate the rooms, students have to remain within the campus. Security officers are under strict orders to stop students from returning after they leave the campus. In case there is a valid reason, please take prior written permission to visit the city and return by writing.”

Also, “students are advised to ensure handwashing and social distancing protocol as conveyed by the CMO and maintain proper hygiene,” said the release adding to “avoid gatherings on campus”.