FOREIGN STUDENTS IN HISAR TOLD TO STAY PUT

HISAR: In the wake of Haryana government’s decision to close all universities and colleges till March 31 amid a global coronavirus outbreak, educational institutions in Hisar have advised international students not to leave the country.

Awareness campaigns have been launched to sensitise international students about novel coronavirus (Covid-19). Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU) spokesperson Devendra Arya said, “There are two international hostels in the university — one each for boys and girls. The university has asked students not to leave the country till further orders.”

“Most facilities are available on the campus hospital. We have also developed an isolation ward for suspected cases. No student has exhibited symptoms typical of coronavirus so far,” Arya said.

CCSHAU vice-chancellor KP Singh held a meeting of officials and said a quick-reaction team will keep a round-the-clock vigil.

There are around 15 foreign students at the Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology (GJU&ST). Public relation officer Bijender Dahiya said, “We have received no cases so far. The university administration is on alert.”

Dahiya said that in line with the Haryana government’s guidelines the varsity has decided to suspend all meetings, seminars and workshops on campus: “We have also decided to postpone the Personal Contact Programme (PCT) for all distance learning students till March 31. Girls and boys hostels will be vacated for the time being. Only international students will stay on campus, that too under strict medical vigil.”

RALLY CANCELLED

Meanwhile, a Pichara Varg Samman Samaroh rally, in which Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar was chief guest, has been postponed.

The rally was to be held on March 15.