Health Secretary Inspects Chennai Airport As One Flier Tests Positive With COVID-19

The Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Radhakrishnan has requested the public not to panic as the State Government has ensured all precautions in place.

Amid concerns of a new strain of coronavirus spreading through UK, a man who reached Chennai last night from London via Delhi tested positive for coronavirus. He was admitted to King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research in Chennai.

Accordingly, the Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Radhakrishnan inspected the screening arrangements at the Chennai airport. While addressing the media he said, "A man who reached Chennai last night from London via Delhi tested positive for coronavirus. He is currently admitted in the King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research in Chennai while his swab samples have been sent to Pune Institute for analysis."

"I request the public not to panic and spread the unnecessary rumour. The UK COVID-19 strain is one among the various corona strains prevalent in the world. Even while the UK experts have raised concern about the fast transmission of the new variant, the reports from health experts are still awaited", he added.

He said that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has banned all the flights from the UK. Accordingly, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after consultation with the District Collectors had ordered to place a special screening booth at all airports in the State.

While the reporters questioned him about the COVID-19-second wave, the health Secretary said that since the State Government is engaged in 'Track and trace' methodology, the spread is under control. Also, the RT-PCR tests, which is considered as the most effective in identifying the COVID-19 infection is being followed extensively in the state as compared to other neighbouring states.

Radhakrishnan also ensured that apart from the UK flights, passengers from other 'Hop-in' flights are also screened at the airports. Check posts and screening camps have been installed in the state borders especially near the Karnataka border as passengers might travel towards the state from Bangalore.