Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Nov 22: The state government has made all preparations to reopen hostels for students as colleges have already begun offline classes. However, the order issued by the authorities to use the same bed, bedsheets, blankets and pillows that were used by coronavirus-infected patients when they were staying in these hostels, has caused concern among students.

As coronavirus cases in the state started to rise earlier this year, hostels were converted into Covid facilities to isolate patients. With the drop in cases and resumption of colleges, hostels will now be reopened to accomodate students again.

The state government has prepared standard operating procedure (SOP) for post-metric student hostels that fall under the limits of social welfare department. In this guideline, instructions have been given to reuse the same sheets and pillows as used by the infected patients, after washing them in detergent and hot water. This has left students and parents worried about their safety.

Representational image

The SOP clearly states that if the hostel was used as Covid patient facility, then the mattress, bedsheet, pillow, pillow cover and blanket should be immersed in hot water mixed with Dettol or Savlon and washed with detergent. The same should be dried under the sun, ironed and reused.

The SOP also states that if any student residing in the hostel or staff has symptoms of coronavirus, then he or she should be immediately asked to take suitable treatment. A room in the hostel should be converted into isolation room in the hostel to accomodate such students. If any student is found to test positive for coronavirus, then such student should not be allowed to remain in the hostel. He or she should be immediately admitted to Covid care center or hospital.

According to the SOP, students should be allowed to stay in the hostel only after undertaking in writing from them that they do not suffer from conditions such as diabetes, kidney ailment, heart disease or cancer. Parents also need to give consent to let their wards reside in the hostel. Only those students who have undergone coronavirus test are allowed to be admitted to the hostel.

However, allaying concerns of students, experts say that coronavirus is believed to remain on fabrics for only up to two days, so there is no real danger of contracting the virus. The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends use of detergents and disinfectants to wash fabrics used by coronavirus patients.