States »SoutPosted at: Apr 30 2021 5:15PM COVID vaccination for 18-plus age group unlikely to start tomorrow
Chennai, Apr 30 (UNI) The COVID-19 vaccination for people in
the 18-44 age group is unlikely to take off tomorrow in Tamil Nadu
due to shortage of vaccines.
Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan told reporters that as per
the orders of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami orders have
been placed for procuring 1.5 crore vaccines.
''But till now, we don’t know when it will reach and whether it will
reach by tomorrow. We have not received any information so far'',
he added.
“It’s not just Tamil Nadu, even other states are also facing a similar
problem'', he said.
He, however, said there are enough vaccines for administering to
people above 45 years of age and it will continue.
Dr Radhakrishnan said the Covid 19 situation in Chennai, Chengalpet
and Coimbatore is posing a challenge as the case load in these districts
showed a sharp increase.
He, however, said the government is taking all necessary efforts to curb
the spread.
He also warned of strict action against those selling Remedesivir in black
market.
Earlier, he said that Remdesivir was no 'magic medicine' and only 30 per
cent of coronavirus patients had required it for treatment.
Dr Radhakrishnan said the State government took a historic decision of
allowing retail sale of Remdesivir to about 3,000 people a day.
As many as 9,000 more beds would be set up in government hospitals
across the State in the next one week. Already 4,000 were added to
ensure that there was no bed shortage for treating COVID patients.
Dr Radhakrishnan also said that the number of beds with oxygen
support is being ramped up.
The state's daily covid tally touched a new high of 17,897 cases
yesterday and the fatality too crossed the three figure mark for
the first time this year with 107 deaths.
With a view to prevent the spread of pandemic, the State government
has imposed night curfew from April 20 and complete lockdown on all
Sundays, besides strict fresh restrictions from April 26.
A Government Order issued by Chief Secretary Rajeev Ranjan said the
night curfew and Sunday complete lockdown will continue until further
orders.
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