Govt to Decide on Lockdown based on the Recommendations of Medical Expert Committee. Report

The Tamil Nadu government might not lift the lockdown all at once from May 3. According to media reports, the team of medical experts who held meeting with Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday dropped hints that another lockdown might come into force from May 3. 

The final decision on this matter will be taken only after the state Cabinet’s scheduled meeting takes place on May 2. 

Dr Prabhdeep Kaur, Deputy Director of National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, while speaking to reporters after the meeting held on Thursday, mentioned that the distribution of infection is uneven across the state and hence the lockdown might not be relaxed at one go. 

She mentioned that in the last two weeks, the state government has intensified testing and the number of cases has gone up. She added that the lockdown will be lifted only in a phased manner. 

“But we have recommended some indicators based on which the government can decide where the lockdown can be relaxed and where it shall be continued.”

She highlighted that certain restrictions will have to remain in place in order to battle COVID19. “For example, social distancing is very important. Hand hygiene and mask-wearing are also a must.  Since the impact of this virus is going to be there for a long time, we have to change our lifestyle,” she added.

“Mass gatherings cannot be permitted for the time being. Some measures such surveillance, contact tracing, isolation of the detected cases and quarantine should be continued. Similarly, community support also will be required for a long time.  This infection can be controlled only if we work together,” The New Indian express quoted her, in its report. 

She also said, “there should not be frequent interactions between young people and vulnerable groups like the elderly. People suffering from cancer, kidney ailments and diabetes should take treatment regularly.”