TN Health Secretary said that one of the reasons for the increase in fresh COVID-19 cases is the increase in political activity

Secretary of Health J. According to Radhakrishnan, the increased political activity in March (ahead of TN assembly elections) is one of the factors in the rise of fresh coronavirus infection in the state.

Making a joint appeal with the doctors, Mr. Radhakrishnan urged all political parties to ensure that their cadre wore masks during their political meetings. All types of meetings, whether weddings, religious or political will be allowed if masking is ensured. He also urged the public not to rely on rumors about another lockout.

“We have found that the main reason for the increase in cases is COVID-19 fatigue among the public. Wherever people go, they assume that they will not be affected even if they do not wear masks. In February, there were marriages, birthday parties and funerals due to an increase in cases. This month, with these factors, political activities have increased – political meetings where people are not wearing masks. Public health norms apply to all, ”he told reporters immediately after inspecting the COVID-19 ward at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital on Wednesday.

He said, “When there is a spurt in political activity, there is a crowd.” If people do not wear masks, the infection can spread easily from one person to another. It is important to follow masking and follow standard operating procedures [SOP]. SOPs earmarked for conducting meetings will also be applicable for political meetings, ”he stressed.

Cases on growth in 19 states

Fresh coronovirus infection is increasing in 19 states of the country, of which Tamil Nadu is one. Other states include Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. “At one time, Tamil Nadu had registered 7,000 cases in a day. Although the current daily count is lower than this, it is still a worrying situation. People should cooperate and take all preventive measures, ”he urged.

The Health Secretary said that compared to Shikhar, the state now has 10 times fewer cases. “This is a positive presentation. However, now cases have increased from 450 to 900 as compared to two weeks ago. This is a negative presentation. Cases are higher in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Tiruppur and Thanjavur.

In Chennai, cases are higher in Tennampet, Anna Nagar, Ambattur, Valsaravakkam and Adyar. “Our preliminary analysis has found that this effect is less in areas where cases were earlier higher, while there was no effect in areas such as Madipakkam and some of the roads in T. Nagar area experienced rapid spread of infection ,” They said.

‘Anyone involved in public activities can be vaccinated’

Vaccination against COVID-19 was important, he said, adding that those in priority groups use vaccination. Those aged 45 to 59 with co-morbidities and who are involved in public activities such as markets and restaurants, taxi drivers, and bus crew can get vaccinated. We are urging the Center to extend the vaccination to others. The age can be reduced from 60 to 50 years and anyone with co-morbidity can be covered. “The state currently had a stock of 20 lakh doses of vaccines,” he said.

SOP compliance

The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management had issued SOPs for the functioning of various places such as banks, hostels, hotels, religious and cultural meetings and markets. “If it is an office, the temperature should be checked for individuals and there should be facilities for hand washing. There is a decency in compliance with SOP. That is why we have seen cases in a bank in Mylapore and in a hostel in Villivakkam. Similarly, on a test of 1,100 persons at a school in Thanjavur, 57 have tested positive for COVID-19, ”said Health Insurance.

Closed-room meetings can accommodate a maximum of 600 persons, while meetings in open areas can accommodate 50% of the area’s individuals. He said that violations of domestic isolation should be avoided as it can spread the infection.

R. Narayan Babu, Director of Medical Education, s. Gurunathan, Director of Medical Services, p. Vadivalan, Officer on Special Duty, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and R. R. Yes. H. E. of the dean Thirniranjan, was present.