Steps to mitigate intensity of COVID-19 being taken: Tamil Nadu Minister

Admitting to intensity of coronavirus in Chennai has increased, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Vijayabhaskar on Thursday said state government and health department are discussing ways and means to reduce impact.

"Yes, we kw intensity, measures are being taken to lessen impact," he told reporters after a review of COVID-19 situation here in Government ESI Hospital where infected were under treatment.

"It is really a tough task to control disease in Chennai as was stated by doctors and researchers," he said. doctors across state have been working with commitment and dedication, and y should be lauded for it, he said.

While stating that child had been a victim of coronavirus attack, minister said patients ranging from toddlers to elderly have recovered.

He said 80 per cent of infected were asymptomatic and 20 per cent suffering from body ache and fever, which required oxygen, and need for oxygen was increasing.

Medical guidelines were being followed to prevent spread, he said, adding that an additional 400-bed facility has been set up in ESI hospital where nearly 280 patients have been successfully treated and 43 still undergoing treatment.

Asked wher re was a community spread, Vijayabhaskar said Central government has to make that declaration. On possibility of extension of lockdown with stricter regulations, he said a decision on this would be taken by Chief Minister K Palaniswami after consulting medical team.

On allegations that private hospitals were refusing to treat virus patients and demanding higher fee, Vijayabhaskar said government has taken steps to monitor through online bed facility and kind of treatment.

minister ruled out possibility of shifting patients in Chennai to or districts. Municipal Administration minister S P Velumani, who was present, said some vested interests were spreading rumours of shifting patients to Coimbatore. "Stringent action will be taken against those who spread such rumours," he said.

(Photo Credit: PTI)