Keep COVID care centres ready: Health Secretary

Health Secretary P Senthilkumar wrote to district Collectors about the increasing cases of COVID-19 on Saturday. He stated that Tamil Nadu has witnessed a rise in the positive cases from 22 to above 500 now.

Considering the rise in the cases, he instructed the Collectors to do complete contact tracing and saturation testing of the contacts of positive cases to prevent further spread.

He pointed out that though most positive cases in the State are mild and moderate and are under home isolation, it’s necessary to give a pamphlet detailing ‘dos and don’ts’ for home isolation.

“Home Isolation protocol as followed in earlier occasions, may be adopted,” he wrote.

In the case of mild COVID positive cases, tablet pack containing Paracetamol, Vitamin-C and Zinc tablets may be given and periodically monitor them with pulse oximeters. “Individuals without adequate facilities for home quarantine may be accommodated in Covid Care Centres and Interim Covid Care Centres. Hence, these centres may be started and kept in readiness as per emerging trend of COVID-19 positive cases,” he said.

He also stated that the elected representatives of the Urban Local Body or Rural Local Body can be actively engaged in the COVID-19 management activities especially involving

Individuals without adequate facilities for home quarantine may be accommodated in Covid Care Centres and Interim Covid Care Centres

— State Health Secretary P Senthilkumar

public participation. He also emphasised on vaccination as only 50,000 vaccines are being administered on daily basis.

“This needs to be increased and periodic review may be conducted every Monday morning with all connected officials,” he said.