Chennai: The number of coronavirus cases in Tamilnadu is all set to cross 1 lakh-mark today.
Reports received from various parts of the State suggest that there is a big spike in infections today too, especially in the areas of Chennai, Chengalpet and Madurai. There is an considerable increase in fatalities as well, it is learnt.
Shattering all earlier records, Tamilnadu on Thursday reported a whopping number of 4,343 new Covid-19 cases. With this, the total number of infections in the State has touched 98,392.
As many as 2,027 persons were confrmed with coronavirus infection in Chennai alone on Thrursday. While the unprecedented increase in the number of persons affected by the pandemic is a cause of concern, there is some positive news too.
For, 3,095 patients were discharged after recovery from various hospitals in Tamilnadu on Thursday. With this, the total number of recoveries has touched 56,021 in the State. The total number of active cases stands at 41,047.
There were 57 deaths Thursday due to the infection taking the total number of deaths to 1,321.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr C Vijayabaskar said that there was no community transmission in Tamilnadu.
Speaking to the media, he said, “It is the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) that should declare whether there is community transmission or not.”
Responding to comments of DMK president and Leader of Opposition M K Stalin, he said, “The ICMR has already taken up various studies and has said that there is no community transmission in Tamilnadu till now.”
According to Vijayabaskar, 75,000 beds were ready across the State, while Chennai alone has 17,500 beds. Government medical college hospitals had 5,000 beds and their capacity was being increased. He added that 93 per cent of testing kits were purchased through State funds.
Of the new cases reported on Thursday, six passengers who arrived in Tamilnadu from abroad tested positive in the State. In addition to them, 67 passengers who arrived from other Indian States by rail, road or air, tested positive in the state as well. Most of these returnees were from Karnataka (35).