Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan wrote to collectors, the Greater Chennai Corporation, Health teams at district levels, deans, and various other government officials.

In the letter, he spoke about the state’s full preparedness in taking steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including the Delta and Omicron variants. He stated that the state has been working closely in guidance with the Center to focus on two main aspects:

a. Preventing the spread of diseases by
b. Strengthening Clinical Management of Cases

In the letter, the health secretary pointed out the need to involve the public and sensitize them to go beyond awareness and follow the listed directions based on the guidance of the experts.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD

There should be strict adherence to masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing. Closed and crowded places need to be properly ventilated, wrote the health secretary. He added that Covid appropriate behavior must be strictly enforced.

If necessary, the regulatory officers must not hesitate to repeatedly penalise the defaulters.

Those who are due for their second dose must get fully vaccinated. Those eligible for vaccination between 15-18 must get vaccinated this week.

People who get tested and are waiting for results should be advised to self-isolate to prevent further spread in case their results are positive.

There needs to be a Home quarantine monitoring system where those under home quarantine can be followed up with on a regular basis over the telephone.

STRENGTHENING CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

There needs to be adequate testing, tracing, isolation and clear Clinical Management. The war rooms should be fully activated and functional in districts.

Adequate screening centres also need to be opened and made operational. The same also applies for additional Covid care centres.

The health secretary stated in the letter that the 1.15 lakh beds available for Covid treatment should be fully functional.