CM details anti-Corona measures, Stalin praises govt steps

DMK leader MK Stalin welcomed the closedown measures mooted by the state government and the Opposition also demanded the suspension of the ongoing Assembly session. Stalin, quoting the Health Department report that 2,221 people were under medical observation due to fever and cold symptoms, demanded for more corona testing centres in the state.

To this, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that there was no need to defer the ongoing session of the state Assembly as the state is taking all precautionary measures to curtail thecorona outbreak.

Palaniswami referred to the detailed review meeting held by the state officials and the precautionary measures, like the closure of educational institutions, malls, cinema theatres, swimming pools and the zoological parkstill March 31.

Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar had also given a detailed explanation in the House on the steps taken by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and as of now there is no need to panic, the Chief Minister explained.

“All those entering the Secretariat, including the MLAs, are screened. I have subjected myself to thermal scanners and have visited the hospital for a thorough check-up. People should undergo such medical check-ups and follow the precautionary guidelines issued by the Public Health Department,” the Chief Minister urged. There are about eight crore people in the state and there are possibilities for the disease to spread. In case of coronavirus, it is dangerous and declared as pandemic after infecting 136 countries, EPS noted.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary K Shanmugham issued corona guidelines for the District Collectors to follow as per the WHO guidelines. The CS urged the Collectors to create facilities near the airports to quarantine and isolate those with COVID-19 symptoms and in rural and urban areas.

He also directed the district administration to establish a network with railways and airport authorities to speed up the corona preventive measures. The state had also suggested companies to encourage work- from-home option to all its employees and also those in the private sector.

Earlier, Stalin also sought the details on the number of people affected with corona and treated by the state. To this, the Health Minister said only one had tested positive and discharged from the hospital. More screening is done and more number of samples are sent for lab tests, the minister informed the Assembly.