Chennai: Tamilnadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today urged the District Collectors to give preference to coronavirus test results of senior citizens and patients with comorbidities.
Interacting with Collectors via video conferencing from the Secretariat here, he said the rate of unemployment has reduced in the past two months due to the efforts taken by the State government.
Palaniswami said that so far the State government has spent Rs 7,162 crore for coronaviris control, treatment and relief works.
“At present, there are 58,840 beds in Covid hospitals, 77,223 beds in Covid-19 special centres, and 26,801 beds with oxygen facilities. Apart from this, there are 4,782 beds in ICU and 5,718 ventilators are also kept ready. With 146 facilities, Tamilnadu has more Covid test centres which includes 63 government and 83 private units. So far 45.73 lakh people have been tested in Tamilnadu,” he said.
He added that zinc and vitamin tablets are given free of cost to frontline workers. “Kabasurakudineer is being distributed to improve immunity. Due to these measures the recovery rate in Tamilnadu stands at 85.45 per cent and death rate is at 1.7 per cent,” Palaniswami said.
He also asked the District Collectors to ensure that coronavirus guidelines are properly followed everywhere in the district.
After holding discussions with Ministers, senior officials and health experts, Palaniswami will today take a decision on whether to extend the ongoing Covid-19 induced lockdown or not in Tamilnadu.
According to sources, the lockdown, with further relaxations, will be extended for one more month, or at least for a couple of weeks. “Covid-19 cases are on rise and lockdown with e-pass system can alone control the spread,” sources added.
A few days ago, Palaniswami said the e-pass system is necessary to monitor the movement of people in the present pandemic scenario and to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the State.
“The government issues epass to all those who apply for it. But people must apply only in case of emergencies and for absolutely necessary reasons. E-pass will help in contact tracing and test and treat all of them. It (continuing e-pass mode) is a decision taken after careful consideration and discussion with experts. Covid-19 is a deadly disease, it is a matter of life and death. Several people have lost their lives to the infection,” he told the media.