Active Covid-19 cases in Tamil Nadu dip for third day in succession

Chennai: For the third consecutive day, the number of active Covid-19 cases in Tamil Nadu is on a decline. As on Sunday, a total of 3,05,546 people were undergoing treatment for the infection.

However, TN reported the highest single-day toll of 496 deaths taking the cumulative death count to 23,754 --fourth highest in the country.

Given that the discharge count (32,982) continued to outpace the number of new cases (28,864), the demand for covid beds in hospitals has also reduced.

As on Sunday, more than 22,600 beds were vacant at hospitals in TN. This included 6,800 oxygen-supported and 500 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds. However, the government continues to add more beds. On Sunday, a new 150-bedded Covid Care Centre (CCC) was launched at Ayanavaram in Chennai.

At Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) and Stanley Medical College Hospital, ambulances did not wait in long queues as cases continue to decline in Chennai (2,689 new cases).

The number of active cases in the district has dropped by 26% in the last one week. Right now, there are over 35,400 active cases. Similar trend was reported in the neighbouring districts of Chengalpattu (1,194 new cases), Thiruvallur (887) and Kancheepuram (667).

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan said, "During our recent inspection in Tirupur, there was some movement even in disease containment zones. The lockdown period should be used effectively to reduce the infection to the maximum extent possible".

On Sunday, a total of 53,396 people got vaccinated -- 80% less compared to Saturday (2,66,426). So far, 87,70,477 vaccinations were reported in the state.