TN govt announces intensified measures to stem COVID-19 spread
Of the 1,596 positive cases reported so far in TamilNadu, the state capital has 358 infections, followed byCoimbatore (134) and Tirupur (109).
Chief Minister K Palaniswami said he has directedimplementing a series of measures to check the spread of thecontagion in the city.
"Considering the prevailing situation, I have directedsteps to completely curb public movement in containment zones,expedite contact tracing and subject them to tests, and carryout coronavirus testing on those in the city limits withsymptoms like breathlessnes, fever and throat pain," he saidin a statement.
Two senior IAS officials have been additionally appointedas zonal officers for this purpose, he said. Further, catering to the frontline workers in the battleagainst coronavirus, Palaniswami announced hiking the ex-gratia to Rs 50 lakh to the kin of such personnel if they diewhile on COVID-19 duty.
The amount is presently Rs 10 lakh.
Further, the government will provide a job to one personfrom such victims' families on compassionate grounds and basedon their qualification, he said.
If such frontline workers, both from the public andprivate sectors, died while on COVID-19 duty, their burialwith due protection and respect will be ensured by thegovernment as it is its duty to recognise their selflessservice, he added.
Besides, the work of medical professionals in both publicand private sectors and others will be recognised and suchpersons will be provided with awards, he said.
In the event of medical workers in private hospitalscontracting the virus, the Health department protocols in thisregard will be duly followed, and all preventive measures willbe put in place and medical services will be later allowed toresume there, the Chief Minister said. SA APRRAVINDRANATH APRRAVINDRANATH