Number of COVID cases reaches 191 at IIT Madras, while 6 students test positive at Anna University

After the number of COVID-19 positive cases crossed the 180-mark at IIT Madras on Tuesday, 141 others were tested later in the evening. Out of those eight have tested positive taking the institute's tally to a whopping 191 positive cases on Wednesday morning.

TN Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan had stated that all who have tested positive are in a stable condition, adding that health authorities are working closely with IIT Madras to contain the spread.

Read More: IIT Madras Students quarantining in hostels complain of insufficient food

With the sudden and massive surge in cases at the IITM campus, several reports yesterday had suggested that the students of Anna University are also being tested for COVID. Both institutes are located three kilometers apart. As of Wednesday morning, six students have tested positive out of a total of 550 people who were tested for the virus at Anna University.

Owing to the prevailing conditions at two among most prestigious institutions in Tamil Nadu, the state government has intensified testing across college campuses. Taking suo moto cognizance of the situation, the government has also directed campuses to have only takeaway services for food and avoid common messes and dining areas for students' safety.

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Students at the IIT Madras had also alleged that the institute's decision to run one mess is the reason for the sudden spread. Those staying on campus have also stated that they were not informed on time about quarantine so they could be prepared.