Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Justin D’Silva/Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK/JD/SP)
Mangaluru/Udupi, Nov 17: After eight long months, colleges reopened with certain protocols to be followed. After a lot of confusion and apprehension over the reopening of colleges, classes have finally begun on campus on Tuesday November 17 in the twin districts of Mangaluru and Udupi.
The district administration has come up with protocols to be followed during the reopening of college such as sanitizing the college, use of hand sanitizers, masks and maintaining social distance. The government has strictly passed an order which says that students are not allowed to enter the campus without a Covid certificate and students who are unwell are not allowed inside the campus.
On November 16, Dr P Dayananda Pai Sathish Pai First Grade College Mangaluru conducted Covid test before classes resumed. As many as 72 staff and 200 students underwent Covid test which was arranged by the district health officer.
Speaking to Daijiworld.com, principal of Milagres College Fr Michael Santhumayor said, "After the government's decision of reopening colleges on November 17, we have distributed forms to the students in taking their consent. We have 300 students in final year degree, in which 100 of them have registered. On the first day of reopening of the college, only 15 students showed up in college with the report, while rest will be joining in the coming days as some students are yet to receive their Covid report. All measures and protocols issued by the government will be followed in the entire campus. Washrooms will be sanitized every day. We are screening students at the entrance of the college."
Principal of St Aloysius College Fr Dr Praveen Martis said, "We are strictly following the rules and regulations of the government. The students who come with Covid certificates are allowed inside the campus. We have made two small groups and two schedules - 9.00 am to 1.00 pm and 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm to avoid crowds. Only 30 percent of students have reported to college on the first day and are following all measures as per the protocols of the government."
Colleges in Udupi open to mixed reaction from students
For the degree colleges which were to function from Tuesday, the response of the students has been mixed. In certain government colleges here, over 50 percent students arrived whereas in other places, the response has been lukewarm.
As the government has allowed both online and offline classes to continue, many students have opted to attend online classes. In the government women's college in the city, more than 50 percent students were present.
The students are being asked to use sanitisers, maintain social distance without fail and wear masks. In association with the health department, COVID tests have also been arranged.
It is learnt that in several places, the students have been hesitating from coming to the college, as they have to undergo COVID tests and bring certificates.