Chennai: After more than two years, the Tamilnadu government has announced lifting of all the coronavirus-related curbs, which were imposed when Covid-19 cases hit the State along with the entire world.
The Tamilnadu government has withdrawn its order mandating inoculation against Covid-19 for all the eligible population in the State, in view of decline in new infections. The Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine said though the compulsory vaccination notification has been withdrawn, other Covid-19 protocols would continue to be in place.
However, those willing to get jabbed can get their doses (first, second or booster) from government or private vaccine centres.
T S Selvavinayanam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has directed Greater Chennai Corporation and all district Collectors to keep creating awareness towards vaccination.
‘In continuation to the recent reduction in Covid-19 cases in the State and the lifting of all restrictions which were laid down to prevent Covid-19 by the government of India and also the State achieving a coverage of more than 92 per cent and 75 per cent of the first and second doses of Covid-19 vaccination above 18 years, it is decided to withdraw the notification issued under Tamilnadu Public Health Act, 1939, with immediate effect,’ he said in a circular.
He asked the Director of Public Health, all District Deputy Directors, the City Health Officer in Greater Chennai Corporation, and other local bodies to ensure that people are encouraged to follow Covid appropriate behaviour, including maintaining social distance, wearing face masks, hand washing and avoiding crowd.