Covid-19: One more dies in TN, 50 more test positive; total cases 621

With one more person succumbing to COVID-19, the death toll in Tamil Nadu due to coronavirus increased to six while 50 more positive cases reported on Monday took the total such cases in the state to 621, the Health Secretary said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters here, Beela Rajesh said a 57-year-old women died at the government hospital here. Her contacts are being traced.

As for people who attended a Tablighi Jamaat meet in Delhi in mid-March, she said 1,475 persons were tested, of which around 570 tested positive.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister K. Palanswami said orders have been placed for 1 lakh rapid testing kits from China to hasten the testing process. He said Rs 500 crore financial assistance has been received from the central government in this regard.

Palaniswami said permission has been sought from the central government to set up 21 more coronavirus sample testing centres. Currently, the state has 17 centres -- 11 government and six in private sector.

According to him, the rapid test kits are expected to reach the state on April 8 and will be put to use from the next day onwards.

Stressing that isolation is the only solution to check coronavirus spread, he said the hospitals in Tamil Nadu have 3,371 ventilators.

He said about 2.10 lakh passengers have been screened at the airports in the state.

According to Palaniswami, the government is planning to introduce mobile vegetable shops in Chennai.

A total of 94,873 cases were registered for violation of prohibitory orders and 94,152 persons arrested and let out on bail.

The Chief Minister said based on the impact of coronavirus in the state a decision on holding the 10th standard exams will be taken. IANS