Chennai: Sero survey shows 21.5 pc of those tested have developed immunity against COVID-19

While the entire country is under Unlock 4 mode, the State Government has announced to relax few restrictions that were considered a mandate for the past 5 months. Accordingly, the Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner addressed the press on Tuesday, to elaborate on the same. Prakash said that people coming from other districts will not be forced to 14-day quarantine unless they are symptomatic and could report to work directly. He also said that the civic body has also stopped bolting tin sheets to houses of people who test positive.

“Returnees from other countries and states would be tested if they are symptomatic. If not, they will be allowed to remain in home quarantine for 14 days,” he said.

Prakash further said that a total of 21.5 per cent of those who were tested as part of a serological survey in Chennai were found to have developed immunity against coronavirus. Samples of upwards of 12,000 people, who were selected at random, had been collected in July and tested as part of the test, which showed 21.5 per cent of people have developed immunity.

The GCC Commissioner, however, urged people to follow the guidelines and SOPs for the disease, at least for the coming three months even after relaxations came into force, and to continue wearing face masks and avoid unnecessary travelling. Further, the commissioner said that the public' co-operation is a must to curb the expected virus surge, considering the relaxations announced.

He also said that with relaxations being announced contact tracing would become more difficult, therefore, family members of the symptomatic patients and office premises, in case an employee tests positive, will have to be cancelled.

Prakash said that the COVID-19 positivity rate has reduced from 30 to nine per 100 persons. As part of the new strategy based on a recommendation from experts, the Corporation would focus more on testing people at workplaces, including industries, companies, offices, malls and complexes. He added that the Corporation was nearing 11 lakh testing mark.

As per the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday, Tamil Nadu had 52,578 active coronavirus cases, while 3,68,141 persons have been cured and discharged in the state. The state has also reported a high 7,322 number of deaths due to the infection.