Will follow all COVID norms for jallikattu: Minister

Jallikattu will be conducted strictly adhering to the pandemic guidelines issued by the state government, Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration P Moorthy said in Madurai on Tuesday. With just 10 days left for the festival, scores of people were looking forward to witness the sport.

After inaugurating the distribution of Pongal gift hampers for all rice cardholders and families at Chettikulam village near Oomachikulam, the Minister told reporters that as many as 9,19,255 cardholders, including 1,718 cardholders residing at rehabilitation camps for Sri Lankan Tamils in Madurai district, would benefit from this programme through 1,394 fair price shops. Every cardholder would get the gift hamper, comprising 12 grocery items, whose total cost is Rs 505.

Further, he said proactive measures taken by Chief Minister MK Stalin protected the people from COVID pandemic and citing these, he advised all people to get two doses of vaccine to safeguard themselves from any impact of the virus. Now, the Chief Minister is keenly involved in protecting the people from the third wave of Omicron with adequate precautionary measures.

To bring under control the spread of Omicron virus variant, medical oxygen and beds have been kept adequately in hospitals. Moreover, a committee led by the Collector has been formed to prevent the spread and those without face masks at public places would be fined. People should cooperate by maintaining social distance,

Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration P Moorthy advised all people to get two doses of vaccine to safeguard themselves from impact of the virus

he added.

Collector S Aneesh Sekhar and other officials were present during the Pongal gift hamper distribution.