‘Chennai may witness over 2 lakh Covid-19 cases if spread is not controlled’

Chennai: While suggesting staggered exit from the lockdown, health experts have reportedly urged Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to intensify testing in Tamilnadu, especially Chennai where Covid-19 cases are on a steady rise.

According to reports, they said that if testing was not increased to identify and treat people in the early stages of the infection, Chennai would witness more two lakh cases and over 1,400 fatalities by the end of June.

It is said that the team would meet the Chief Minister on 30 May again, to help him take a decision on extension of lockdown. Sources said Tuesday’s meeting featured discussions on the ways in which testing and quarantine measures could be consolidated, since many persons arriving here from other States were testing positive for Covid-19.

According to an official release, the Chief Minister issued instructions to officials on prevention and containment activities in the State.

Discussions on various testing strategies to be undertaken, treatment protocols to be followed, steps needed to reduce the number of deaths, identification of vulnerable groups and ensuring preparedness in hospitals were held during Tuesday’s meeting, it said.