Chennai: Averring that controlling the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the State is only in the hands of people, Tamilnadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today said the government is prepared to further relax the lockdown restrictions if people extend their full cooperation.
Palaniswami held a review meeting with District Collectors via video conferencing from the Secretariat here, during which the present situation across the State was discusssed.
He said that experts have opined that the impact of coronavirus will reduce only after peaking. “The virus which is invisible to eyes is spreading rapidly. The spread cannot be controlled without the support of the people. We have been creating awareness among the public via short films and advertisements,” he said.
He further said that the State government has been helping the people in all possible ways during this lockdown period.
The spread of the virus can be controlled by following social distancing, perosnal hygiene and wearing mask. He added that just like in May, provisions will be given at fair price shops for the month of June as well.
Stating that COVID-19 mortality rate in Tamilnadu is the lowest in the country at 0.67 per cent (61 deaths so far of a total 8,718 positive cases), he attributed the significant increase in positive cases due to higher testing numbers.
Palaniswami said the testing rate is the highest in Tamilnadu when compared to other States in the country, while allaying the fears of the people in the wake of spurt in cases, especially in Chennai, which has been recording cases in excess of 500 during the last couple of days.
The Chief Minister, who had already dropped enough indications of extending the lockdown beyond 17 May by urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to restore air and train services in the State till this month end in view of increase in cases, said by strictly adhering to social distancing norms and wearing face masks the spread of coronavirus could be controlled.
Commending the district collectors for taking steps on a war footing to tackle the spread of the virus, he said by following the advise of the Central government, WHO guidelines and the suggestions give by the medical expert panel, the government was able to control the spread of COVID-19.
Palaniswami also referred to constitution of Special Investment Promotion Task Force to woo foreign investments into the State in the wake of some companies mulling moving out of some countries in view of the economic upheavel caused by the coronavirus.