Coronavirus: Positive cases reach 26, Now Maharashtra govt closes all schools, colleges, coaching centres in urban areas

Mumbai, March 14, 2020: In the backdrop of rising cases of Coronavirus in Maharashtra, the state government today ordered to close down all schools, colleges, coaching centres and other educational institutions, till March 31st. The number of Coronavirus positive patients in the state has reached 26.

All schools in urban areas of Maharashtra (all government and private schools in jurisdiction of Nagar Panchayat, Nagar Palika, Mahanagar Palika) to remain closed till 31st March. Only exams for class 10th, 12th, & University exams will be held as per schedule, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced.

Meanwhile, Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr Deepak Mhaisekar convened a meeting of all the Vice-Chancellors of various Universities, head of the educational institutes. Director of Higher Education Dr Dhanraj Mane, Vice-Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University. Dr Nitin Karmalkar, President of the Association of Indian Universities and Vice-Chancellor of Bharati University, Manikrao Salunkhe, Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad, Ayush Prasad, Deputy Director of Education Mohan Khatal, Deputy Commissioner Pratap Jadhav and others were present on the occasion.

“Everyone needs to be careful so that the number of corona patients does not increase,” Mhaiseker said. He asked the educational institutes to keep a distance of one bench during examinations.

The students who have travelled to countries like China, Italy, South Korea, France, Spain and Germany, should stay at home for self-quarantine for 15 days. They should not mix with the family or society.

Quarantine facilities for students on the college campus

Also, separate rooms should be set up on the advice of the Municipal Medical Officers for the students who have returned from abroad and living in the hostel. Also, the details of foreigner students who are staying outside the hostel should be shared with the administration so their information is easily available when required.

The premises of the colleges and universities should be kept clean and students should be informed about personal hygiene and maintaining social etiquette. Students should avoid going into crowded places. Immediate treatment should be taken if there are any symptoms of fever, cold and cough, and do not go out unnecessarily during the holidays. If there is any symptom of Coronavirus, the person should be taken to Naidu hospital in Pune, Dr Mhaisekar said.