Aligarh Muslim University converts hostels into quarantine facilities

Aligarh: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has converted Moniuddin Hostel and Hostel of UGC HRD Centre into quarantine facilities to brace up for the predicted peaking of Covid 19 infection. The decision was taken on the recommendations of a committee constituted by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor.

While Moniuddin Hostel, an annexe of S N Hall has been declared a quarantine facility for female students; the Hostel of UGC HRD Centre will be used for isolating male students exposed to the infection.

The Provost of S N Hall and the Director, UGC HRD Centre have been appointed as the in-charges of Moniuddin Hostel and UGC HRD Centre quarantine facilities respectively. The Director, MAS will be the in-charge of the team of doctors comprising Dr Frah Ashhar, Dr Sana Maria, Dr Nishat Haider Rizvi and Nishat Fatima at the Moniuddin Hostel facility, whereas the In-charge of University Health Service will lead the team including Dr M Najmul Huda Khan, Dr Naheed Perwin, Dr M Moazzam Hyder and Dr Tayyaba Liaquat at the UGC HRD Centre facility.

“The medical in-charges of both quarantine facilities will prepare duty rosters for doctors and the nursing staff and paramedical staff and will ensure the availability of medicines,” said the Registrar, Mr Abdul Hamid (IPS).

He pointed out that JNMC Medical Superintendent and University Health Officer can also be contacted on need basis.

Mr Abdul Hamid further informed that Bibi Fatima Hall and Annexe of Dr B R Ambedkar Hall will also be converted into quarantine centres for girls and boys respectively as the University opens. However, these facilities will be used when there is no space left for patients in the Moniuddin Hostel and UGC HRD Centre quarantine facilities.

Students residing in the Bibi Fatima Hall will be shifted to Begum Azeezun Nisa Hall, while residents of the Annexe of Dr B R Ambedkar Hall will shift to Dr B R Ambedkar Hall. Dean Students’ Welfare is responsible for taking necessary steps for shifting students.

The committee has further recommended to immediately admitting Covid-19 positive students residing in University hostels to JNMC, while shifting the roommates of infected students to quarantine centres. It has been decided that the wing of the hostel, where the Covid positive student are found will be marked as a containment zones on Government of India guidelines.

It is to be noted that AMU is strictly following social distancing norms. Thermal scanning of all visitors is been done at the main gates of all residential hostels and halls.

Meanwhile, University employees suffering coronavirus have been asked to self-quarantine after undergoing treatment. They shall be quarantined at the University Health Service in case of showing reluctance to self isolate at home for specific reasons. University Health Officer, Director of MAS and Principal, A K Tibbiya College will conduct regular health checkups of employees.