Cases rising in city, special measures taken to control spread: Health Minister
Since 4 zones in city have recorded higher number of COVID cases, special measures have been taken to control infection in the city, said Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Wednesday.
During a meeting with officials of Greater Chennai Corporation and health experts, several measures to control the spread were discussed. “COVID cases continue to surge across the globe. Many countries report 10,000 to 1 lakh cases daily. Though the count in India is lesser, during the last 24 hours, several states have recorded a surge. In Tamil Nadu, COVID cases were over 300 on Tuesday, and it’s expected to increase further,” explained Subramanian.
In Tamil Nadu, 1,622 Covid patients are under treatment. With 781, Chennai has the highest number of patients being treated, of which 684 are in home isolation. Some are asymptomatic while others have shown mild symptoms. At least 59 patients admitted in government and private hospitals have comorbid conditions.
Over 3,400 officers are appointed to monitor patients, some of whom require oxygen levels to be checked regularly. Officers also monitor the status of those in home quarantine.
“Earlier, 2,500 RTPCR tests were taken. Now we’ve decided to double it to 5,000 samples. In the past two years, 34.58 lakh COVID cases were reported in Tamil Nadu, of which 1,125 were international passengers and 1,301 from various states in the country,” stated Subramanian.
But out of 1,622 active cases in TN, only 20 are from other states and countries. “We’re taking measures to control infection in the State soon. The only prevention is to get vaccinated. So far 94.36% of the public have taken first dose of vaccine, and 84.85% have taken second dose,” he pointed out.
In Chennai, over 99% have been inoculated for first dose, and 85.5% are double vaccinated. But only 40% of the population in TN has taken the precaution dose. At least 40 lakh are yet to take the first dose and 1.15 crore are due for a second dose.
The Health Minister urged the public to get vaccinated at the government hospitals instead of waiting for mega vaccination camps. The corporation to set up 3 COVID care centres in the city with 50 beds.
In Chennai, over 99% have been inoculated for first dose, and 85.5% are double vaccinated. But only 40% of the population in TN has taken the precaution dose