Surge of coronavirus cases in Kerala: TN steps up vigil
With neighboring Kerala and four other states witnessing a surge in daily coronavirus cases, the Tamil Nadu Government on Monday said surveillance in districts bordering Kerala has been intensified and it has been made mandatory for all returnees by flight to compulsorily undergo RT-PCR test. Maharashtra, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, apart from Kerala have recorded a surge in daily new cases of COVID-19.
Aggressive testing, contact tracing being conducted in Tamil Nadu
"The state Health Department continues to aggressively test for the virus and is involved in tracing the contacts, as it is determined to further bring down the cases," Health Secretary Dr. J Radhakrishnan said. Expressing concern over people's non-compliance, including those gathering for political rallies, he appealed to the people not to lower the guard as five states have recorded an increase in cases.
Cadres not wearing masks at political meetings: Radhakrishnan
"Wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing should strictly be followed. It was noticed during certain political meetings that the cadres did not wear face masks or follow social distancing. Such an off-hand attitude could lead to unpleasant consequences," he said. He pointed out an incident in Amaravathy district in Maharashtra where a family has been infected by the virus.
Positivity rate in Tamil Nadu is low
The Union Health Ministry had said both Kerala and Maharashtra cumulatively accounted for over 74 percent of India's total active cases. "Tamil Nadu has a low positivity rate of 0.9 percent per 100 persons and a majority of those who get admitted early with coronavirus symptoms are treated and discharged," the Health Secretary said.
Do not delay tests and treatment if symptoms appear
He also appealed to the people not to delay if they have coronavirus symptoms and undergo test and treatment accordingly, as late arrival invariably leads to problems. When his attention was drawn to the non-compliance to face masks and social distancing guidelines at political rallies, he said rules were the same for all people who gather in public places.
Officials to ensure people follow guidelines at meetings
We have instructed health officials to mandate the wearing of masks and maintain social distancing before granting permission for meetings, besides conducting random testing at meetings, Radhakrishnan said after inaugurating three RO plants at the government's multi-super specialty hospital sponsored by the RCC Platinum Trust.
Further measures taken by the TN government to ensure safety
On the preventive measures, he said apart from surveillance camps, thermal screening will be carried out in the border districts and cluster testing will be done in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Chengalpattu districts. All the passengers arriving by flight should have RT-PCR negative certificates. "Passengers from the UK, Brazil, and South Africa will be subjected to RT-PCR test upon arrival," he said.
Officials also asked to be careful about emerging dengue cases
About 36 UK returnees and their 26 contacts, who tested positive, were treated and discharged. "Ten among the 11 passengers with new virus strain too were treated and discharged," he said. Further, district health officials have been told to be extra cautious owing to the reporting of dengue cases in few southern districts and also many from Tirunelveli district had a Mumbai connection.
