No deaths among patients with S-gene drop so far

CHENNAI: Inspecting the implementation of lockdown at Saidapet, Health Minister Ma Subramanian, on Sunday, said, although 85 per cent of the new cases reported have an S-gene drop, indicating infection by the Omicron variant, no death has been reported among them in the State. This could be because 90 per cent of the patients have already taken both doses of the vaccine, he added.

With daily cases crossing the 10,000 mark on Saturday, he said it is expected to increase by another 2,000 on Sunday and urged the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“Among the daily new cases, at least 85 per cent have S-gene drop. Those who are asymptomatic are under home quarantine and frequently monitored by medical teams. As 90 per cent of the Omicron suspects are double vaccinated, no deaths have been reported in State,” Subramanian said.

He added that 260 patients, including healthcare workers, have been admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) and they were stable. Subramanian pointed that none of the patients with S-gene drop required oxygen.

“The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is taking steps to prevent the spread of the infection. On Saturday, around 13 weddings violated COVID norms with more than 100 visitors taking part in them. Fines were imposed on them. Similarly, city-based private hospitals should inform the Corporation if any patients how COVID-related symptoms. However, six private hospitals paid a fine as they failed to inform the local body,” the Health Minister said.