Central districts record 10,000 cases in August

Till July 31, there were only 13,304 cases in the region, which comprises Tiruchy, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Karur, Perambalur and Ariyalur. However, since then, 9,889 cases have been reported – or a rise of nearly 75 per cent.

The toll has also increased by 174 deaths this month, with Thanjavur recording 47 cases, Tiruchy 46 cases and Pudukkottai 37 cases.

Though officials claimed that random tests were being done through fever camps, activists here alleged that the people in rural areas were yet to be sensitised about the pandemic. The government should initiate door-to-door testing in rural areas as it is being done in Greater Chennai Corporation and also deploy mobile testing facilities, said K Selvaraj, a social activist in Tiruchy.

There are also complaints that the samples that are collected from those with suspected symptoms in the rural areas were not promptly sent for testing. These are sent only after a certain number of samples are collected. Also, priority is given to samples taken at the district headquarters hospitals, all of which lead to a delay of four to five days in obtaining results, alleged Selvaraj

According to him, the numbers in the central region would only increase when prompt collection and testing of samples is done in rural areas.

Steps are being taken to bring down the cases from 10 per cent to 5 per cent in 14 districts by prompt testing and treatment, said Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan here on Monday. Speaking to reporters after reviewing the pandemic control measures, he said the overall infection rate in Tamil Nadu was 8.5 per cent. However, 14 districts including Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Krishnagiri, Ranipet, Chengalpattu, Kanniyakumari and Theni have been deemed as high prevalence districts. Which have an infection rate of 10 per cent. The efforts are on to bring down the infection rate to 5 per cent, he said, adding that it was lower in Tiruchy at 5.6 per cent. Meanwhile, Radhakrishnan warned private hospitals against collecting more than the fee prescribed by the State government. Strict action would be initiated against those hospitals that charge more, he added.