26 fresh cases, takes IIT-Madras COVID cluster tally to 171

Chennai: The number of COVID cases in the IIT-Madras cluster continued in the upward trend, with 26 more positive cases reported on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 171.

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan and Greater Chennai Corporation officials visited the campus and inspected the measures at the isolation centre and the steps taken to prevent the virus spread.

Stating that all the cases are of the BA2 variant of Omicron, Radhakrishnan told reporters that no cases of any other variant or XE variant have been reported in Tamil Nadu so far.

The condition of all those who tested postive was stable and did not require hospitalisation. However, they have been isolated as part of the safety and management protocols.

At present, there are 168 active cases after three of them were discharged yesterday. Another 10 patients are expected to be discharged later today, he said.

"There are no other clusters in Chennai currently. As the cases of Covid are increasing in Northern parts of the country, it is important for all of us to wear masks and follow safety measures," he said.

He said as many as 6,650 samples have been taken, including 32 samples in private institutions at the IIT Madras campus and the case positivity stands at 2.6 per cent.

Overall, there are 7,490 students at the IIT campus. (UNI)