With 546 cases, Kodambakkam is now worst affected city zone

According to Corporation sources, a majority of cases are from Koyambedu Wholesale Market, which is located in the zone. The zone also houses T Nagar, the biggest shopping hub of the city. "More than 100 cases in the zone are linked to the market. Apart from this, several market workers who are staying in the Corporation relief centres have also tested positive," the source said.

As per the civic body data, 546 cases were reported from the zone till Friday. Kodambakkam has now overtaken Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar with regard to the tally. "Two zones, from where a large number of cases were reported in earlier stages are yet to reach the 500+ figures. But Kodambakkam has reached the number. Even though this is not a good sign, we are trying to control the spread," an official said. He added that Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar had 490 and 477 positive cases as per the numbers released on Friday, which is likely to increase once the zone-wise figures for the 279 cases reported on Saturday are compiled.

The civic body has already converted 22 localities as containment zones in Kodambakkam, suggesting all cases are concentrated in certain areas. On the other hand, Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar had more than 80 containment zones despite having a lesser number of cases than Kodambakkam. Of the 546, 37 had been discharged and two patients died.