COVID-19: Corporation asks hotels in city to put big events on hold

“Even though we did not get any official instruction from the senior officials, zonal-level officials are requesting the hotel owners not to allow functions and meetings. We are expecting a formal communication in this regard,” an official, on condition of anonymity, said.

The official explained that though COVID-19 virus is not airborne those getting into contact with infected persons could catch the disease.

“If we avoid unnecessary gatherings and parties, we can prevent its spread. We are monitoring the hotels with meeting halls and party halls,” he said.

According to the Chennai Corporation revenue department data that includes property tax from the hotels, there are around 1,100 hotels and resorts with lodging facility across the city.

The civic body has also made arrangements to create awareness against the deadly virus – that has already claimed more than 3,000 lives in China – at the school level. “Awareness programmes at Chennai Corporation schools should be done according to the instructions issued by the Education department. Students suffering from illness or showing any such symptoms should be attended to immediately,” said SP Velumani, the Minister for Municipal Administration.

Meanwhile, sources in the civic body said that Chennai Corporation Commissioner G Prakash has organised a meeting with civic officials on Monday to discuss the situation and to give instructions to officials concerned.