TN reports one more COVID-19 death; CM describes virus as "disease of the rich"

As a fresh COVID-19 death was reported taking the virus toll in the state to 14 on Thursday,Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami described coronavirus as a "disease of the rich" and a "big challenge", and said the state has managed to contain the spread of the contagion as the daily positive cases were showing a dip.

A committee under Finance Secretary S Krishnan has been formed to devise the exit strategy post May 3 when the extended lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to end, he said.

The exit strategy could be a 'phased' one, he said, adding, the commitee will also discuss on finalising what industries may be allowed to function after April 20, as permitted by the Centre.

On Thursday, the state reported a fresh COVID-19 death while 25 more people tested positive for the disease, taking the toll due to it to 15 and total cases to 1,267, Palaniswami said.

"This disease is a big challenge," the chief minister told a press conference after chairing a meeting of district collectors to take stock of the preventive measures being implemented across the state.

As many as 180 people have been discharged so far, as against the 118 on Wednesday, he said.

Palaniswami said the lower number of fresh cases showed the government was containing the spread of the contagion.

Fresh cases on Wednesday stood at 38, a little more than Tuesday's tally of 31, unlike higher numbers seen earlier in the week.

The state had reported 98 fresh cases on Monday and 106 on Sunday.

As many as 87 lakh people had been screened in 558 containment zones in the state.

So far, 11 doctors, including six government ones, have been infected with the virus and this number was less compared to other states like Delhi and Mumbai, he said.

Further, it was a "disease of the rich," he said, indicating it has lagely affected the affluent.

"It is a disease of the rich. People who had travelled abroad or to other states have imported it (to Tamil Nadu). It did not originate here," he said.

Divulging details and statistics to explain the state's fight against COVID-19, the chief minister said it took an early lead by launching screening of air passengers and placing orders for personal procurement equipment as early as in January.

There were adequate stocks of ventilators, PPE and masks while enough strength of health workers has been ensured, including new appointments.

Further orders have also been placed.

The rapid test kits ordered by the state with China have been "diverted to another nation," and even Centre was awaiting the consignment, he said.

The state was in the second stage of the spread and today's new number of cases of 25 against 38 yesterday showed the state has managed to contain it, he said.

He expressed hope the number will soon touch zero as the rate of people getting cured was also increasing.

Further, extending government support to journalists, he said it will bear all the expenses incurred if they contracted the virus and would provide an ex-gratia of Rs five lakh in the event of their "unfortunate death."
"This is a planned criticism as we are effectively containing the spread," he said and wondered what the 38 Lok Sabha MPs of the DMK and its allies had done for Tamil Nadu in the state though "people have elected them to do something."