Pharmacies warned against hiking prices

On Friday, Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar held a meeting with the Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association during which the direction was given.

“The association has assured the Health department that the products such as sanitisers, masks and gloves will not be sold at a higher price than usual,” said the Minister.

Vijaya Baskar also held a meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, District Collectors, joint directors and deans of all medical colleges in the State through video conferencing to review the measures taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection. 

Meanwhile, virology laboratory has also been set up at Salem, Coimbatore Medical College Hospital and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, said the Minister. 

Now samples are being tested at King Institute of Preventive Medicine & Research in Guindy, National Institute of Virology in Pune, and laboratories at Theni, Tiruvarur and Tirunelveli. 

COVID-19 patients stable

Authorities at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) said that both the patients tested positive for COVID-19 are stable and under observation. “The patients are in the isolation ward and will not be allowed to interact with anyone even through mobile phones,” said an official. 

Meanwhile, a full-fledged diet plan according to patients’ individual needs had been drawn. The chief dietitian and experts at the hospital are evaluating the calorie intake and health situation of the patients. “We are serving meals comprising of juice, eggs, salad and soups in disposable cups and plates. Dispensers to provide hot water, hot beverages and milk have been installed,” said a hospital official.