After the new cases of the new Omicron BA.4 variant were reported, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has issued fresh guidelines for the Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to follow.

The council said though the spread of the COVID-19 virus has been contained to a great extent, it’s still prevalent. It is, therefore, necessary that proper preventive measures be continued in HEIs.

The AICTE circular came against the backdrop of reports that many HEIs have dropped the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid by Disaster Management due to a dip in COVID cases across the country.

However, Ramesh Unnikrishnan, AICTE, advisor, Policy and Academic Bureau, said, “Online teaching arrangements should be made for international students who cannot join the programme due to travel restrictions or visa-related issues.”

He added that for all the institutions, physical classes can be conducted as per the decision of the respective states. “Thermal screening of students and staff, sanitisation and use of mask should be followed in all institutions,” he said. “Mandatory cleaning and regular disinfection of the premises and buses must be ensured. Installation and use Aarogya Setu App. Students or staff having COVID symptoms should be isolated and tested immediately.”

He also pointed out that faculty members, students and staff should be, once again, made aware of the website ‘Monodarpan’ to provide psychological support.