Though the number of persons tested positive for coronavirus in Tamil Nadu reached 1204 by Tuesday evening, the Tamil New Year day brought some relief too to the State. There has been a reduction in the number of patients tested positive for coronavirus. While on Monday 98 persons were found to be suffering from the virus attack, Tuesday saw the number of persons tested positive coming down to 31. This was announced by Dr Beela Rajesh in her daily press briefing at Chennai.
A visibly relaxed Dr Rajesh said that the reduction in the number of persons tested positive for corona-19 could be the impact of the containment activities being pursued by the Government led by Edappadi Palaniswami. “This is an imported disease which was alien to tamil nadu. We have taken all measures to contain and restrict the spread of the disease and our efforts are paying off,” said the health secretary.
The Tamil Nadu government, which had declared the extension of the lock out till April 30 on Monday, welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that the national lockdown would be in place till May 3. Chief Minister Palaniswami in a release on Monday has stated that since the lockdown has been extended, rice card holders would get essential commodities for the month of May free of cost through the ration shops - rice, one kg sugar, one kg toor dal and one kg edible oil. Besides, all unorganised sector workers including construction workers would be given Rs 1,000 per family. Migrant workers from other states would get 15 kg rice, one kg toor dal and one kg edible oil free of cost.
The DMK said that both the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre had failed the people during the crucial time of the pandemic. “Whatever being done by the State and central Governments are not up to expectations,” said M K Stalin, president, DMK.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, who is a former finance minister said the Centre should borrow Rs 30 lakh crore and give it to the States to help them tide over the present crisis. Speaking to a private satellite news channel Chidambaram said had Congress been in power such a situation would not have happened.