Spike in COVID cases in Chennai, screening centers opened again!!
Posted on: 30/Dec/2021 9:37:14 AM
After decreasing in the last few months, the number of Covid-19 cases has been increasing now in Chennai in this month of December. This has set the alarm bells ringing.
On 1st of December, Chennai reported as many as117 Covid-19 cases and the positivity rate was0.9percent. On Wednesday, 29th December, the number of cases has increased to294 and by this the positivity rate reached 1%.
The increase in the number of Covid-19 cases reveals the presence of new variants and this was stated by Dr. Prabhdeep Kaur, deputy director, NIE-ICMR. She then spoke about how at present there are not enough genome sequencing sample reports available to ascertain the increase was due to Omicron Variant. Irrespective of the variant, the public must wear facemasks and get them vaccinated. At this point of time, the TN government must add more beds, keep Covid care centers ready and store adequate oxygen for the patients etc. It is necessary to test all those who show symptoms of Covid-19 infection.
Reopening of 11 Covid care centers in Chennai was mentioned by Chennai Corporation commissioner Mr. Gagandeep Singh Bedi. From these centers, people would be sent to institutions or would be allowed to go back to their houses and it would be based on the severity of the infection.
It is now said that GCC would also be opening a screening center at the Covid care center in Trade Centre, Nandambakkam for the patients just like it did earlier. Point is that screening centers have been reopened at the Covid care center at Communicable Diseases Hospital at Tondiarpet, Covid care center at Injambakkam and at Manjambakkam etc.
The GCC commissioner later pointed out that those persons who test positive must not use their own vehicles or autos etc but they must call the helpline number of Chennai Corporation to reach the screening centers. From daily testing of 10000 to 15000 persons in a day, GCC has increased the tests and now more than 23000 persons are being tested in a day.
There are more than 5 lakh persons in Chennai who haven’t yet taken their first dose of vaccination also. The health minister Mr, M. Subramaniam wants these persons to get vaccinated at the mega vaccination camps. Out of 39537 streets in Chennai, just 507 streets have any case now. As many as 428 streets have less than 3 cases, 78 streets have 3 cases and 42 streets have 4 cases and 18 streets have 5 cases.
