Can’t keep extending lockdown, people have to cooperate: Stalin

CHENNAI: The lockdown cannot be extended indefinitely and it has to be ended soon, but it is in the hands of the people, Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Tuesday and appealed to them to follow COVID-19 guidelines to help prevent the virus spread.

Addressing the people in a short awareness video released in the morning, Stalin said, “Everyone should realise that there is no way other than complete lockdown to fully control the spread of coronavirus. We cannot keep extending it. It should be ended soon. But, it is in the hands of you people.”

The spread of coronavirus could be stopped if lockdown restrictions are fully complied with, the Chief Minister said, apparently expressing his readiness to relax restrictions if the people abide by all protocols.

Reiterating that he went to the COVID ward against experts’ advice to instil confidence among the doctors, frontline workers and their families, Stalin said that he has dedicated himself to protect the people of Tamil Nadu. “My advice to people who panicked at my visit to the COVID ward is that everyone should have a cautious approach. The spread of the virus has to be completely stopped. Hence, restrictions imposed should be fully complied with.

Even if a few people violate, we will not realise the full benefit of lockdown, ” he added.

Stating that it’s only been three weeks since the government took charge and a lot of planning was required for many departments, Stalin referred to augmentation of oxygen, bed and vaccine availability and administration and recent decline in positive cases in the State and said, “We should demolish the corona wall, which is being a deterrent to such planning. We can usher in various changes and make advancements in all departments to create a resourceful Tamil Nadu only after that.”