Chennai: With the Maharashtra government deciding to impose night curfew from Sunday as the State is witnessing a record number of Covid-19 cases, speculations are rife such a measure would be implemented in Tamilnadu too.
“If not now, restrictions will be imposed post elections” is the opinion of many.Ā However, Health department sources denied any such move. “As of now, there is no plan to impose curfew. But, people should understand their responsibility and follow rules,” a higher official said.
Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan said as of now, there was no confirmed case of the double mutant coronavirus variant in Tamilnadu.
“To date, we have 16 confirmed cases of the UK coronavirus variant and one case of the South African strain. All of them have recovered from the infection. An analysis by the Union Health Ministry has found that the current surge is not linked to the variants,” he said.
Maharashtra will enforce a night curfew from Sunday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s office said Friday, as the State struggles with its biggest surge in coronavirus infections since the beginning of the pandemic. Shopping malls will be closed from 8 pm to 7 am, the order said.
Thackeray warned of stricter restrictions if the people did not follow Covid-19 safety rules. He said that district chiefs will decide when to order lockdowns but said that there will not be any sudden state-wide lockdown and the public will be given advance notice.
“I do not wish to impose lockdown. But there seems a possibility of healthcare facilities falling short given the rise in number of coronavirus patients,” the Chief Minister said.
People should celebrate Holi in a simple manner considering the rise in Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra and crowding should be avoided, the State government said on Friday.