Chennai corporation conducts special health camps, asks people to be vigilant amid Covid spike

Addressing reporters on the sidelines of a health camp at Annai Sathya Nagar in Royapuram on Monday, Radhakrishnan said that till December 24, 1.34 metric tonnes of waste were collected by conservancy workers. Of these, 9,604 tonnes of waste is garden waste (branches, dried leaves, twigs, among others), he added.

“Since January 1, 2023, till today (December 24), a total of 9,969 special medical camps were conducted by the corporation, benefiting 5,64,958 people. The camps are conducted with the focus to curb the waterborne, foodborne diseases such as malaria and dengue,” Radhakrishnan said.

He added that while fortunately there was no major spread of infections after the cyclone, it was important not to be negligent, hence the camps would continue to operate.

Radhakrishnan also said that as there is an increase in people testing positive for the JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19 in Kerala and in 52 countries, the Tamil Nadu health and family welfare department and Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine have instructed the municipal corporation to increase testing. The civic body has also been asked to raise awareness among people to avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing and hand-washing, and focus on immunocompromised people and pregnant women, Radhakrishnan said.

Currently, the corporation is carrying out 500 tests per day to identify symptomatic cases, he added. “There are 66 active Covid-19 cases in the city but they are mild and there has been no requirement for severe hospitalisation,” Radhakrishnan said.