Dharwad: Just when everyone thought we are recovering fro covid atmosphere, 178 students at SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital were tested positive on Friday.

A preliminary inquiry has indicated that all those who contracted the infection had attended a students’ programme at D Veerendra Heggade Kalakshetra, located within the college campus, on November 17.

The Deputy Commissioner has reiterated the importance of exercising restraint and caution, advising people in the district to avoid any kind of social gatherings. “The pandemic is not over yet and we should not fail to follow Covid-19 protocols,” he stated.

Dharwad had been recording zero positive cases in the last few days. However, as per the health bulletin issued on Thursday, it accounted for nearly 14 per cent of the total new cases identified across the state.