The chief minister said he had repeatedly urged PrimeMinister Narendra Modi to release Rs 995 crore to thePuducherry government to meet the requirements of thehospitals to handle the situation arising out of the COVID-19outbreak.
The Centre is yet to release the funds, he saidadding, "I once again urge the Prime Minister to respond toour plea."
He said that because of the sustained and dedicatedwork by the Health department staff, police personnel, workersof the ASHA unit, Local Administration and PWD, Puducherry hasbeen able to contain the spread of the infection.
The Union Territory has only six active cases ofinfection and there had been no new cases and all these sixactive patients were taken care of at the Indira GandhiGovernment Medical College Hospital.
"Health status of these six persons was showingimprovement," he added.
Narayanasamy urged people to continue to adhere to thesocial distancing and isolation so that Puducherry would becoronavirus-free.
He referred to the announcement of the Prime Ministerthe nation-wide lockdown would continue till May 3.
He said despite personal inconveniences, the peopleshould respond to the lockdown as announced by the PrimeMinister.
He said the situation in Puducherry was showingencouraging improvement with the active cooperation of thedepartments concerned.
The chief minister said the government had sealed theborders linking Puducherry with Villupuram and Cuddaloredistricts in neighbouring Tamil Nadu where COVID-19 cases hadbeen reported, adding none from these districts would bepermitted to step into the union territory.
Lt Governor Kiran Bedi who referred to the 'sevencommandments' announced by the Prime Minister in his addressto the nation, said "our Prime Minister is a father, teacher,leader and a missionary. Once we follow the seven practicesand rules of behaviour our country will protect itself fromthe deadly disease and can emerge safe.". Cor SS