Chennai: For the third consecutive day today, the total number of Covid-19 cases in Tamilnadu crossed the 1,000 mark.
The State today reported 1,091 new coronavirus cases and the total number of infections so far stands at 24,586.
In Chennai alone, 809 persons were found with Covid-19 infection today, putting the total number of coronavirus affected persons in the metropolis at 16585, according to figures released by the State Health department.
So far, Tamilnadu has lost 197 persons to the pandemic. On the other hand, while 536 persons were discharged after recovery today, the total number of recoveries in the State stands at 13,706.
A whopping number of 5,14,433 persons have been tested in the State so far, the Tamilnadu government said. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that government is planning to distribute free face masks for ration card holders.
Speaking to mediapersons after holding a meeting with Corporation Officials at the Ripon Building in the wake of exponential increase in positive cases in Chennai, which has come close to 15,000, he said people need not be scared as the death rate is only 0.8 per cent.
He said, “56 per cent of those infected by coronavirus in the State have recovered. More people are recovering in the State due to proper treatment.”