Refrain from job cuts, KTR to CEOs

19.04.2020

He reminded them that the Telangana government under the leadership of K Chandrashekhar Rao had announced salary deferments of all ministers, senior officers and employees of all levels.

He said that as an industry leader and a responsible citizen, he urged them to heed the appeal and refrain from any job cuts. “I am confident that as soon as we are able to come out of this crisis, the industry is bound to grow again and the government will ensure that the enabling conditions due to which Telangana has become the most progressive State for doing business will maintain its position as before,” he wrote. The Minister said that the present pandemic had brought extreme hardships to all sections of the economy and in Telangana, the State government along with private sectors and various charities and philanthropists was striving to manage the health situation and also provide relief to the needy. “The combined effort under the leadership of the Chief Minister has been appreciated far and wide,” he added.

‘Government determined’

Assuring the CII, he said that government was making efforts to contain and flatten the Covid curve. “The State is well prepared with sufficient quantities of PPEs, masks, testing kits and ventilators. But citizens need to be careful to maintain personal hygiene and stay indoors to contain the spread,” he added.

With renewed focus on healthcare, medical infrastructure and biotech industries, he requested members to explore opportunities in these sectors. “Every adversity presents an opportunity and we must strategise and come up with new ideas,” he said. Responding to the members’ queries on economic revival, Rama Rao said 25 per cent of the economy was still working and post lock down, the economic growth will rebound in spurts.

“Even after the lockdown is lifted, one of the biggest challenges for the industry will be to build the confidence of the workforce to return and feel safe. Social distancing will be the new norm, and Industries have to make changes in the way they operate,” he said.

The members then requested the government’s support for the industry especially the MSME sector, to mitigate the adversities. The Minister mentioned that the government was committed to the industry and would extend all possible support. He also requested CII to work on a vision document on new business opportunities and investments in post Covid era. He sought support from industry with critical medical infrastructure through their CSR funds.

Online classes not enough: 

Students Urge OU administration to hold at least 20 days of traditional classroom teaching ahead of exams

Even when faculty is trying to solve a problem using paper and streaming it, there is a huge gap in delivery of knowledge — Student

City Bureau  Hyderabad  19.04.2020

Osmania University engineering students urged the varsity administration and colleges to reconsider the plan of conducting internal, laboratory and external exams immediately on reopening of the colleges when the lockdown is lifted.

Giving feedback on online classes in an email to Governor and Chancellor of the State universities Tamilisai Soundararajan, students said that the intention of conducting online classes was not serving the purpose for them. They wanted at least 20 days of classroom teaching before the conduct of any exam after reopening of the colleges.

“Unlike foreign universities, which swiftly switched to online classes, there is no proper structure for conducting the online classes here. As you know, engineering studies have a vast theory and are very technical and mostly based on problem-solving, circuit diagrams, derivations and analysis of graphs, and there is no proper communication channel for transferring such knowledge. Such studies, which require a step-by-step explanation of every topic, can only possibly be beneficial to students in traditional chalk-and-talk classes,” the students said in the email. Stating that online classes are turning out to be just collective document reading using apps like Zoom, Google Meet, they said knowledge is being limited to just whatever there is on screen. “Even when the faculty is trying to solve a problem using pen and paper and streaming it through a camera, there is a huge gap in the delivery of knowledge as the faculty is unable to get whether students are able to follow it or not. And it is not a fault on the part of faculty, who are usually well versed and best at teaching in traditional classes, as they are definitely putting their best efforts to fulfill the orders from higher authorities. It is just that it is not working out due to the lack of proper channels for communicating engineering studies,” the students said.

Leaving the decision on whether to continue the online classes further or not to the officials, the students said “We strongly urge to allow 20 days of usual classwork before any exam so that students can get the grip of subjects and fill the gaps. If still, the university decides to continue with its current plan of completing the syllabus in online classes only and then conducting exams immediately after reopening, that would be strongly condemned by all the students.”

MCI Implements 10 Percent EWS Quota In PG Medical Courses, 145 Seats Added 

By GarimaPublished On 18 April 2020 1:25 PM | Updated On 18 April 2020 1:25 PM 

New Delhi: While implementing the 10% EWS quota in PG medical courses in the State quota in Government Medical Colleges and institutions for the academic year 2020-21, the Union Health Ministry has increased the PG Medical seats with 145 in 6 states. Andhra Pradesh got 10 additional seats and Chandigarh got 4 in 1 medical college each. 56 seats were increased in 12 medical colleges in the state of Gujarat. 7 were added to 2 Himachal Pradesh Medical colleges. 3 GMCs in Punjab got 17 additional seats in the EWS Quota and lastly, Rajasthan got 51 seats in 6 of its government institutes. 

The confirmation to this effect was recently announced by the Union Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHFW) further citing the decision made by the Board of Governors in Supersession of Medical Council of India (MCI BoG). In order to implement 10% EWS quota in PG medical courses in the State quota in Government Medical Colleges/institutions, the States were required to enhance PG medical seats for the AY 2020-21 and observed that most states had increased their PG seats in Government medical colleges for 2020-21 either by way of applications made to MCI under section 10/A and/ or by way or conversion of denotified diploma seats to degree seats. 

As noted from the table below the States of Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal had more increase in seats than the seats required to be enhanced for implementing 10 % EWS quota. These states have been informed to implement the reservation roster, including the EWS quota as per State policy after including the seats enhanced during the AY 2020-21 since they had been granted an adequate increase in seats for the same 

https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/mci-implements-10-percent-ews-quota-in-pg-medical-courses-145-seats-added-64966

Mini wholesale shops on East Masi Street begin operation
19/04/2020 , Staff Reporter, MADURAI

Around 300 mini wholesale shops on East Masi Street began functioning in a phased manner from Friday night after being shut down for over 20 days.

The move was taken after Revenue Minister R. B. Udayakumar met heads of several associations regarding smooth sale of essential commodities on April 13. Members of different associations demanded functioning of these shops as they sold essential kitchen condiments including oil, spices and papads to smaller provision stores in each person’s area.

Revenue Minister approved the plan to allow these shops to function with restrictions after discussing the issue with officer-in-charge of Zonal Task Force, Collector, officials from the corporation and police department.

Collector T. G. Vinay said that these shops could function from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. As many as 300 shops on East Masi Street cater to around 4,000 provision shops across the district. If we ask provision shop owners to come in their vehicles, East Masi Street would be packed.

So, all orders should be taken over the phone. They could be delivered by these mini shop owners in their private vehicles. The district administration has permitted two workers in each shop to undertake delivery service,” he said.

Owners should not sell products directly to consumers and all shops should follow personal distancing norms strictly, Collector said.

People make a mockery of physical distancing norm

19/04/2020 , Special Correspondent, KARAIKUDI

 

For a freebie: Men and women waiting to get a bag of free rice in Karaikudi on Saturday.

Physical distancing on account of the COVID-19 pandemic went for a toss at a school here on Saturday when a large gathering of women swarmed to collect five-kg free rice from Minister G. Baskaran.

By 8 a.m., about 500 men and women had gathered though policemen on duty told them that the distribution would begin around 11 a.m. But they did not disperse and by 10 a.m., the crowd swelled to more than 1,200. By 12.30 p.m., the Minister, accompanied by Collector J. Jayakanthan and office-bearers of a rice mill owners association arrived.

And the distribution started. The women jostled with one another to go near the dais and collect the rice bag. The very few police personnel could not manage the big crowd. Many did not wear a mask.

Though the State government had permitted people to move out from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., many women were seen waiting on the school campus beyond 1.30 p.m. hoping that the organisers would return with rice bags for those who were unlucky to get it the first time.

Only two days ago, when the opposition parties and non-governmental organisations objected to the State government’s order that no doles shall be handed over directly to the needy by political parties or any organisations, citing COVID-19 pandemic control measures, the blatant violation happened right in the presence of a Minister and the top brass.

Thoothukudi hospital gets COVID-19 testing lab

19/04/2020 , Special Correspondent, THOOTHUKUDI 

 

Much awaited: The Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction laboratory, inaugurated at Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital on Saturday, can give test results within six hours. N. RAJESH

Minister for Information ‘Kadambur’ C. Raju inaugurated Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction laboratory at Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital on Saturday.

Established on an outlay of ₹80 lakh to test 70 samples a day, the facility will ensure analysis of blood and throat swab samples taken from COVID-19 suspects within six hours against the 24 hours it took when the samples were sent to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital. The lab will be manned by two doctors and four lab technicians on turn basis.

Though 1,347 persons were screened in Thoothukudi district, only 26 tested positive for COVID- 19, the minister said.

Earlier, the minister handed over COVID-19 relief of ₹1,000 to 185 third genders and rice and dhal to conservancy workers. He received 1,250 kg of rice and cheque for ₹ 2 lakh from representatives of SPIC for procuring mattresses for the Thoothukudi hospital.

Collector Sandeep Nanduri, Superintendent of Police Arun Balagopalan, Corporation Commissioner V.P. Jayaseelan, Dean Thiruvasagamani, Resident Medical Officer Silas Jayamani and MLAs were present.

Coming out without a mask will invite fine 

Now, corporation enforcing COVID-19 preventive measures

19/04/2020 , Special Correspondent, TIRUNELVELI

 

Cracking the whip: Violators being slapped with fine near Tirunelveli junction on Saturday.

 

A. SHAIKMOHIDEEN

Even as the police are registering cases against lockdown violators besides confiscating their vehicles, the corporation has started slapping a fine of ₹100 on those who come out of their houses without masks, which play a significant role in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

The action came into force from Saturday after Collector Shilpa Prabhakar Satish empowered local bodies to collect fine.

Those who come out of their house to buy essentials or medicines and those working in grocery shops, pharmacies, milk outlets etc., should wear masks. While the public who are not wearing masks will be fined up to ₹500 in the days to come, shops that fail to provide masks to workers and ensure ‘physical distancing’ of their customers will be closed immediately. Banks too should ensure ‘physical distancing’ of their customers on its premises and at ATM kiosks.

Residents should carry ‘colour cards’ issued by the corporation when coming out to buy essentials on two designated days a week. Any violation would attract fine up to ₹500.

Corporation personnel, who swung into action, checked the public, who were fined separately for not wearing masks and for not carrying ‘colour cards.’

“A fine of ₹100 is collected from violators. Habitual violators will be fined ₹500 for each violation,” an official said. The police had collected a total fine of ₹11,200 on Saturday.

Singapore reports record daily jump

19/04/2020

Singapore’s Health Ministry confirmed 942 more coronavirus infections on Saturday, a new daily record, the vast majority of which are among migrant workers living in dormitories.

Saturday's new cases takes the total in the city-state to 5,992. It has reported 11 deaths. Reuters

Trump endorses lockdown protests 

U.S. President calls for ‘liberating’ States that are shut down; global virus deaths pass 1,50,000

19/04/2020 , , Agence France-Presse, Washington 

 

Warning to all: A boy wearing a mask walking past a mural warning people about the risk of COVID-19 in a slum in Nairobi on Saturday.APBrian Inganga

Coronavirus deaths have surged past 1,50,000 worldwide with nearly a quarter of them in the U.S., where President Donald Trump lent his support to protesters rallying against lockdown orders. Evidence is mounting that social distancing successfully slowed the COVID-19 pandemic after more than half of humanity — 4.5 billion people — were confined to their homes.

Governments around the world are now grappling with when and how to ease lockdowns that have crippled the global economy, even as the COVID-19 death toll climbs further in hard-hit countries. Demonstrators in three U.S. States staged public rallies this week to demand an end to the restrictions, with the largest protest in Michigan attracting 3,000 people — some of whom were armed.

Mr. Trump has largely left decisions on easing lockdowns to State officials even as he laid out guidelines for a staged reopening of the national economy. But his call to “liberate” Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia in a series of tweets on Friday were quickly rebuked by the Democratic leaders of all three States. “I do not have time to involve myself in Twitter wars,” said Virginia Governor Ralph Northam.

Most number of cases

The U.S. accounts for nearly a third of the 2.25 million coronavirus infections reported globally. It has also recorded over 37,000 deaths, more than any other nation, followed by Italy, Spain and France. Mr. Trump, who has angrily shot back at claims he reacted too slowly to the virus threat, has accused Beijing of downplaying the impact of the virus within its borders. “It is far higher than that and far higher than the U.S., not even close!” he tweeted.

Mr. Trump did not offer evidence to back the claim, but pressure has mounted in recent days on Beijing to come clean over its handling of the initial outbreak. Leaders in France and Britain have also questioned China’s management of the crisis but Beijing hit back, saying it had not concealed information.

Signs that the outbreak could be easing in parts of Europe prompted Switzerland, Denmark and Finland to begin reopening shops and schools this week. Germany’s Health Minister said on Friday that the virus was “under control after 3,400 deaths. Germany is now beginning the delicate task of lifting some restrictions.

3 lakh Chinese rapid test kits sent to India

19/04/2020 , PRESS TRUST OF INDIA, Beijing

Three lakh more Rapid Antibody Test kits used for the quick detection of the novel coronavirus have been dispatched to India from Guangzhou, the Indian envoy here said on Saturday, as India ramped up the global hunt to procure more kits to tackle the rising cases of the infection.

The kits were airlifted to Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, India’s ambassador to China Vikram Misri said. Great work on ground by our team, he tweeted. This is in addition to the 6.50 lakh antibody and RNA Extraction Kits China sent earlier.

Maharashtra bans delivery of newspapers

19/04/2020 , special correspondent , Mumbai

A day after exempting a number of economic activities and goods transport services after April 20, the Maharashtra government on Saturday prohibited door-to-door delivery of newspapers and magazines while allowing them to continue printing.

A notification signed by Chief Secretary Ajoy Mehta issued on Saturday said, “Print Media is hereby exempted from lockdown from 20 April, 2020. However, given the extent of the spread of COVID-19, door-to-door delivery of newspapers and magazines is prohibited.”

The move has attracted the ire of the newspapers and journalist unions and media houses. In Maharashtra, newspaper vendors had said they would not be able to deliver newspapers. Many cities, including parts of Mumbai, do not get the hard copies.

RT-PCR only confirmatory test, says govt. 

Rapid antibody tests for epidemiological studies, surveillance in hotspots

19/04/2020 , Bindu Shajan Perappadan , NEW DELHI 

 

Testing times: A swab sample being taken during a free medical camp in Mumbai on SaturdayAPAP

The Union Health Ministry has said that the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard frontline test for COVID-19 and that rapid antibody test cannot replace it.

The statement comes after the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)’s national taskforce issued guidelines on testing strategy to all States, following a review of the worldwide testing methodology.

“The Rapid Antibody Test gives us an idea about prevalence of disease in a particular area and thus is used for epidemiological studies and surveillance purpose in hotspots. It can also be used in districts which are not hotspots to study emerging trends,” Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said on Saturday.

He added that data generated by surveillance through rapid testing can be used for contact tracing if any positive case arise in an area.

Presently, the government is using the RT-PCR tests to detect novel coronavirus from samples of throat or nasal swabs of people with symptoms or high-risk individuals who might have come in contact with positive patients.

The Ministry has noted that to make all data of Rapid Antibody Test available for surveillance at State, district and national levels, an order has been issued to register in the portal: covid19cc.nic.in/icmr before conducting rapid antibody test, so that the information can be made available at all levels.

Rahul thanks govt. for new FDI policy

19/04/2020 , SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, NEW DELHI

Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Saturday thanked the Union government for “taking note” of his warning and amending the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy to check hostile takeovers of distressed Indian companies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I thank the government for taking note of my warning and amending the FDI norms to make it mandatory for government approval in some specific cases,” Mr. Gandhi tweeted.

Congress’ chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala took to twitter to give credit to Mr. Gandhi for the government move.

“Glad that govt. has positively responded to @RahulGandhi’s suggestion of protecting our corporates from hostile takeovers. The amendment in FDI Policy is welcome and will plug creeping acquisition of any Indian entity. Hope that this constructive engagement shall continue,” Mr. Surjewala tweeted.

Clarify e-commerce rule: Cong. Government should come forward to rescue traditional merchants, says party

19/04/2020 , SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, NEW DELHI


The Union Home Ministry should clarify if e-commerce companies are allowed to sell only essential items or they can sell non-essential commodities too from April 20, the Congress said on Saturday.

In a videoconference with presspersons on Saturday, senior party leader Ajay Maken highlighted the plight of retail traders during the lockdown.

He said the new guidelines of the Ministry for limited economic activities denied a level playing field for the traditional traders.

“For the essentials items, traders have been allowed to open their shops and sell, but for non-essential items, if only the e-commerce companies are allowed, then the traders are being not given a level playing field,” he said.

“What we are asking from the government is first they should clarify their April 15 order and then it should come forward to rescue these traders and ensure that they don’t have to pay fixed electricity charges. Some amount of help should be given so that they can pay salaries and the property taxes should also be not collected at commercial rates from the shopkeepers,” Mr. Maken added.

As per the 6th economic census of 2013, after agriculture, retail trade was the most dominant economic activity and accounted for 35% of the total economic activities.

“As far as the employment generation is concerned, retail trade accounts for one-fight of the total employment in India. It gives employment to 2.72 crores families in the entire country. So, it is one of the biggest employment generator, second only to the manufacturing sector,” he noted.

Traders had closed their shops for the past one month and earlier suffered due to demonetisation, e-commerce competition and the GST, he said.

Other State governments should follow the Congress-ruled Punjab and Rajasthan where fixed charges for electricity for non-domestic connections had been deferred by two months, Mr. Maken said.

Tewari seeks panel meet

In a related development, Lok Sabha member and senior party leader Manish Tewari wrote to the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance Jayant Sinha, demanding a meeting of the committee to discuss the situation arising out of COVID-19.

“Even before the lockdown that commenced on the 24th of March 2020, the Indian economy was not in the pink of the health. However, the last 25 days have demonstrated how fragile our economy is and the poor have been the worst sufferers of this tragic spectre,” Mr Tewari wrote, while asking for a meeting post April 20 when some of the restrictions are set to be relaxed.

Relief package ‘peanuts’

Separately, senior leader M. Veerappa Moily, slammed the Centre for the relief package of Rs 1.72 lakh crore announced earlier.

“The government should have ensured at least a package of 9% of GDP, which works out to Rs 17.5 lakh crore. What the government and RBI has done is only peanuts, which will not allow the economy to stabilise, forget about taking off”, he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Some offices in Karnataka allowed to resume work

19/04/2020 , Special Correspondent, Bengaluru

Following the Union Home Ministry’s guidelines, the Karnataka government on Saturday announced some relaxation measures in the COVID-19 lockdown, including allowing a maximum of one third of the workforce in the information technology and biotechnology sectors “providing essential services” and government offices from Monday.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Cr.PC, however, will continue all over the State till May 3. To contain the spread of the pandemic, the government has banned inter-district movement of people and movement of vehicles in other districts of the State till May 3.

After holding a meeting, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said employees in IT and BT firms providing only essential services can operate their business by allowing one-third of the workforce in their offices from Monday.

“Employees of IT/BT companies should come to offices in hired buses. Other IT/BT firms, those not providing essential service, should encourage employees to work from home,” Mr. Yediyurappa said.

Government departments not dealing with essential services would function with a third of the workforce and employees have to come in buses that would be hired exclusively for them.

Wearing masks and practising social distancing have been made mandatory and spitting in public places has been banned.

The Chief Minister appealed to senior citizens and vulnerable persons to remain indoor for the next three months.

More establishments to be allowed to resume operations 

Essential service providers can seek permission online; applications will be processed the same day

19/04/2020 , Special Correspondent, CHENNAI

In a bid to strengthen delivery of essential services during the lockdown for COVID-19, the Chennai Corporation has decided to permit a few more establishments to resume operations.

At present, the Corporation has permitted 652 commercial establishments to deliver essential services in the city. On Saturday, the civic body announced that companies could get clearance online at www.chennaicorporation. gov.in. “Applications will be processed and finalised on the same day. All activities permitted under the government orders will be allowed. Passes given under such categories are valid till May 3. Further clarification can be given only after the government’s announcement on Monday,” said G. Prakash, Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation.

The Corporation has permitted various service providers, including commercial establishments, autonomous bodies, factories and Central government agencies to resume operations. These include private establishments serving the Chennai Metro Rail communication systems and companies manufacturing masks, medical equipment, pharmaceutical products and food processing equipment.

Nearly 5,000 employees of the 652 companies have been allowed to venture out. Once the Corporation allows more companies to resume operations, the number of workers on the streets is expected to exceed 25,000.

The Corporation officials said around 25% of the companies and commercial establishments in the city were eligible to get permission to operate under the essential services category. The city has more than 75,000 commercial establishments employing over 10 lakh people. In the past few days, transportation of employees had become a major challenge.

On Friday, many Corporation employees were not allowed to board MTC buses from various parts of the city.

“We were not allowed to board the special bus operated for government employees. They asked us to get down, claiming that the buses were only for Secretariat staff,” said an employee of the Corporation.

Relaxations to come with stiff conditions 

Malls, cinemas may stay shut after May 3

19/04/2020 , Dennis S. Jesudasan, CHENNAI

The 21-member expert committee, constituted by the Tamil Nadu government to formulate an exit strategy, which met on Saturday, was of the primary opinion that all gains of the COVID-19 containment efforts made during the lockdown should not be wasted if and when the restrictions in place are partially relaxed after April 20 and post-national lockdown on May 3.

Following the meeting, which went on for more than two hours at the Secretariat, draft guidelines were being prepared, said officials. The guidelines will be in tune with those issued by the Centre and endorsed by the State government last week.

Sources said that the State government was looking at imposing strict guidelines, even if certain industries were allowed to operate.

“For instance, even if an industry is allowed to function, it will be between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. and not for the entire day. Even after May 3, many members felt that opening of malls and cinemas should not be allowed for some more time,” one of the members said.

In the absence of public transportation during the lockdown, the movement of workers to various units will be a challenge, it was felt. “If there were specific requests, they could request for chartered bus services,” said a member.

Rural industries

Only industries that are located in rural areas and are not labour-intensive or do not have employees working in close proximity under a roof are likely to benefit from the guidelines to be issued by the panel on Monday.

“As mentioned in the guidelines of the Centre and State governments, any operation with regard to agriculture, poultry, horticulture, animal husbandry will be allowed. Even construction activity, if undertaken by ensuring physical distancing, could be allowed, the committee felt,” another member said.

Industry experts too felt that even if the restrictions were relaxed, mobilising human resources from far off locations would be a major concern. The panel is scheduled to submit its report to the government on Monday.

Secretariat finds ways to dispose of used masks, incinerator in place 

Bins placed on all floors of buildings on the campus

19/04/2020 , Dennis S. Jesudasan, CHENNAI 

 

Zero waste The napkin incinerator in the old building can be used only for cloth masks.

 

 B. Jothi Ramalingam

Officials in the Secretariat have found ways to safely dispose of used masks, as several government departments on the Fort St. George campus in Chennai continue to function with skeletal staff, who report for work wearing masks.

The pile of used masks has gotten bigger with the number of meetings being held, albeit following physical distancing norms.

Separate bins have been placed on all floors of buildings on the Secretariat campus to collect used masks from staff and visitors so that they are not mixed with other disposables. Conservancy workers collect the used masks and dispose of them separately.

“Our employees come from far off places and it is easy if we keep separate bins on all floors,” a senior official said.

For employees

Besides, a napkin incinerator has been installed on the third floor of the old building for the benefit of employees.

K. Ilangovan, proprietor of E.R. Ventures, that installed the incinerator on the campus, told The Hindu: “The incinerator can be used only for cloth masks. Masks that have rubber parts or elastic parts cannot be used.”

The State government is also procuring masks from the Tamil Nadu Ex-Servicemen Corporation (TEXCO) under the Public Department to ensure that all employees undertake precautions.

Officials are already encouraging employees to wear cloth masks since they are easy to dispose. Masks are also being procured from the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women.

With the Secretariat campus continuing to see footfall even during the lockdown, officials are on their toes, ensuring that public health norms are being complied with. “We use disinfectants every day. Greater Chennai Corporation workers ensure that the norms are followed inside the campus. About three to four meetings are held every day, some even with the Chief Minister,” an officer said.

Physical distancing is strictly followed during meetings and disinfectants are sprayed before and after meetings. Thermal scanners are used regularly, a senior officer told The Hindu.

“Hand sanitisers are provided to all employees and house-keeping staff are given gloves,” the senior officer added.

Stressed about the lockdown? Here’s some expert advice

These are tough times. The pandemic and lockdown are driving some of us to the edge. To help readers cope with their anxieties, The Times of India launches Talk it Out, a new series under which our panel of expert counsellors will answer your mental health queries. This week’s advice comes from clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Varkha Chulani

I got engaged this February. During the lockdown, all I can think of is how not to spend much on my wedding. This concern is creating conflicts among my parents and in-laws. I think I am overthinking about the wedding budget. Perhaps this should be left to the elders? What should I do?

— Akshay K Jain, AP

Varkha Chulani: Congratulations for your wedding, and even bigger compliments for the good sense and sensitivity about the expenses you wish to control. At a time like this, where there is uncertainty about the future with regard to health, employment and wealth, your prudent thinking speaks of a mature and balanced mind. If you could communicate to your folks and your in-laws why you are so budget conscious, they might understand your concern. No, this is not overthinking; this is foresight and preparation for a worst-case scenario. And wise people think ahead! I would be very keen to know what your fiancée thinks. Is she on the same page as you? Two voices may have a better impact on the elders. This will give them the idea that both their children are cautious and don’t want to squander away money at a very difficult time of life. Celebrations can always wait. It is most sensible to have a small, quiet wedding now, and then when things settle and get back to some semblance of ‘normalcy’, all of you can party as much as you like.

I am a young IT professional. The Covid-19 situation has thrown us off balance. Since the pandemic and the lockdown began here in Kolkata, I’ve been working from home. But, I can feel that with each passing day, I am slowly losing patience. Even though I’ve been keeping myself busy with daily exercise and other things, I feel I am lacking motivation. Can you help me improve my current state of mind?

— Debajyoti Das Gupta

VC: Yes, it is a very challenging and difficult time for most of us, but we can make good things happen out of very bad things. Your attitude towards this lockdown will make all the difference to the advantages you can draw from this difficult situation. First, accept the reality that we are in this for the long haul. The more you fight the truth, the more distressed you will be. Two, ask what you can give to the job rather than what you can get from it. Three, since there is so much time on hand, think about what you would like to learn, accomplish, achieve — this could be some skill, hobby or fitness. Motivation is nothing but the ‘will to meaning’. Do you have a purpose for your life? Or do you, like most people, simply get on with the job to earn money and somehow kill time? If you find a ‘why’ to live, much of your mood will lift. Because a purposeful existence makes for much healthier and happier living. Take care.

I am very concerned about my job prospects. I’ve heard that my firm won’t reopen because of heavy losses during the lockdown. As my savings are running out, a bleak future is staring at me. I can’t eat or sleep because of it. Please help.

— A Saleem

VC: Hi Saleem, yes, it’s a trying time for all of us. Businesses are on the brink, jobs have been lost and savings are few — this, unfortunately, is the reality before us. The only thing within our control is to actively seek what we can. Sit with a pen and paper and jot down all options before you. What’s your skillset? How can you offer that skillset to another company? Is your resume up to date? Can you reach out to your network to help you with an interview? Have you reached out to headhunters who recruit for the positions you can fill? Proactively planning for times ahead will reduce anxiety because simply worrying will not solve anything. It’s best to take the bull by the horns and do whatever you can, wherever you are and with whatever you have. Meanwhile, take advantage of the lockdown time and teach a few kids if you can. Check if you can become a tutor of some sort. Self-reliance can be a good beginning. Best wishes.

Chulani works with Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai

Nod for road & train travel just after May 3 unlikely

GoM For Resumption Of Domestic Flights, But With Riders

Akhilesh.Singh@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:19.04.2020

As the government prepares for lockdown relaxations, the group of ministers under defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday suggested resumption of domestic flights in certain ‘safe areas’ after the nationwide shutdown in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic ends on May  3. 

 

It said the final call will be taken by the ministries of home and civil aviation after reviewing the status of the virus spread in cities and feedback from states.

“There was consensus among the ministers that domestic flights should be resumed in the sectors where Covid-19 cases have not been reported and where there is no threat of spread of the virus,” a government functionary said.

However, the ministers were not in favour of any immediate relaxation on interstate movement by other modes of transport like trains or public and private vehicles even after May 3, sources said.

“Any extension of the lockdown period, whether to be done or not, will be decided after taking stock of the situation across the country. However, ministers were of the view that resuming inter-state travel will be highly risky,” an official said adding that there was consensus that trains should not be be run immediately after the lockdown is over.

Meanwhile, home minister Amit Shah reviewed the working of MHA’s control room and took stock of the situation in states.

Those present at the meeting included the two ministers of state G Kishan Reddy, who had also attended the GoM meeting chaired by Rajnath Singh, and Nityanand Rai besides the home secretary and other ministry officials.

The MHA control room is operational 24/7 and is coordinating with states as well as with various ministries to sort out issues relating to implementation of the lockdown.

Full report on www.toi.in 

TRANSPORTING ESSENTIALS: Workers unload sacks of rice in Kanyakumari on Saturday from a train that came from AP

Air India resumes domestic bookings for May 4 onwards

Air India resumed bookings on Saturday for domestic flights from May 4 and for international travel from June 1, reports Saurabh Sinha. AI was the only Indian carrier that had at the beginning of this month stopped bookings fin April so that passengers wouldn’t find their money stuck. Other airlines kept taking bookings for domestic flights post April 15 (when the first phase of lockdown was to get over) and for international flights from May 1. The aviation ministry has ordered airlines to give full refunds to passengers who have booked tickets only during the lockdown for flights cancelled in the lockdown (March 25 to May 3). “When flights actually resume will depend on a final government go-ahead and when the lockdown is lifted/relaxed. We are preparing as per current lockdown end dates,” said a senior airline official.

49 new +ve cases in TN, total 1,372

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:19.04.2020
As 49 more people tested positive for Covid-19 infection taking the total number of cases to 1,372 in the state on Saturday, 82 people were declared fit for discharge across various government hospitals. The total number of people discharged until Saturday was
365.

“Nearly a quarter of the patients tested positive so far have recovered. More people are leaving the hospital every day,” health minister C Vijayabaskar said. “We are doing more tests now. Today, we had tested 5,363 samples and 49 were positive,” he said. Of those tested positive, 47 were from the Tablighi Jamaat, one is a nurse from Coimbatore and another person had a history of interstate travel, officials said.

The number of samples tested in the state went up to 35,036 from 29,673 on Friday.

Will get permission for two more testing labs, says health min

The state, he said, has 31 testing labs, including 21 in the government sector. “All tests done in government labs are free. Two testing labs in the state have the capacity to test up to 1,000 samples a day. We will be getting permission for two more labs tonight,” he said.

From Saturday, the state has started using rapid antibody testing kits to screen people at hotspots and for epidemiological surveys, he said.

Doctors in the state have also been able to keep the mortality rate for the viral infection below 1.1%, he said. “Although 95% of the patients are asymptomatic some of them have ‘masked’ hypoxia. The low level of oxygen in their body does not make them uncomfortable and their condition suddenly deteriorates rapidly. Based on death audits and updates we received from experts, we constantly revise treatment protocols,” he said.

There were 34 people in government quarantine facilities and 1,884 people in hospital isolation.

HOSP VISITS HARD WITH LOCKDOWN

Docs advise elderly to take steps to avoid falls

Sukshma.R@timesgroup.com

Madurai:19.04.2020

Amid lockdown when everyone is expected to be safe and sound within the confines of their homes, many elderly across the state are still ending up in emergency rooms due to domestic falls. With extra precautions taken at hospitals for Covid-19, they have a tougher time getting treated for the injuries.

Some of the major injuries elderly people sustain in domestic falls include fractures of the hip, spine and wrist bones and head injuries, say doctors. “Though the elderly more often than not stay at home, with less medical care now since they are unable to make routine hospital visits, they are prone to falls. Issues that stem from out of control diabetes and hypertension are common. Many also miss out on going for walks outdoors and miss the dose of sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to falls,” said Dr Sathish Devadoss, chief orthopaedic surgeon, Devadoss Multi-speciality hospital.

“Some grandparents try to play with grandchildren and engage in strenuous activity. They should not get carried away. They are prone to falls by slipping or stepping on even toys by accident. In boredom, some even adventurously try to clean their shelves or windows by climbing on chairs and such. All this should be avoided,” said Dr David V Rajan, managing director, Ortho-One Orthopaedic Speciality Centre. He added that even exercising at home by the elderly should be done only for recommended amounts. Overexertion can lead to great harm.

“I’m taking all precautions but you can never know. My children who live in Chennai cannot come to aid me or my husband even if something happens,” said 72-year-old Rajeshwari A, who resides in Madurai.

Cases of elderly suffering injuries from falls would be tough to manage due to lockdown and mobility restrictions. Patient would have to take X-rays or CT scans and get tested for Covid-19 before treatment, making it tedious,” said Dr Shanthi GS, HOD, department of geriatric medicine at Madras Medical College. However, there is little to fear if proper care and precautions are taken, she added.

Rapid test kits in use out in the field

Health Dept To Recheck No. Of Kits Needed

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:19.04.2020

The directorate of public health has distributed the much awaited rapid antibody testing kits for screening of patients with influenza-like illness in hotspots in Chennai, Salem and Coimbatore. The results are being put together at Covid-19 control room, while at the back office, senior officials are re-evaluating orders placed for three lakh kits, so they can rework the price and reconsider the number of kits required.

On Saturday, after Chhattisgarh health minister T S Singh Deo tweeted that his state was procuring more than 75,000 rapid testing kits at ₹337+ GST from a South Korean firm, opposition parties and activists said TN paid ₹600 for each kit.

The state, which planned to test all people with symptoms of influenza-like illness, placed orders in instalments. Orders for the first batch of 50,000 kits were placed with Chinese company Wondfo at ₹600 a kit on April 3, a day after ICMR’s nod. The orders were placed through Kodambakkam-based Shan Biotech and Diagnostics. “At that time, seven companies were cleared by the ICMR which fixed the price. On April 6, we ordered another 50,000 kits from the same manufacturer. On April 16, more companies were added and pricing became competitive. There were tax waivers from the government,” Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) managing director Dr P Umanath told reporters. “We have the kits in our hands while others don’t.”

The state now has 24,000 rapid testing kits from China and 12,000 from the Centre.

The TNMSC is talking to vendors to revise pricing and is also studying if so many kits are required. The state initially said it would test one with influenza-like illness with the rapid test before sending him/ her for RT-PCR tests.

On Friday, the ICMR said rapid antibody test was needed only in hotspots for surveillance and not as a diagnostic tool. In hotspots, RT-PCR test is used on people showing symptoms for less than week; antibody test on those showing symptoms for more than a week. “People testing positive for the infection in the rapid test will be subjected to RT-PCR test for confirmation,” said director of public health Dr K Kolandasamy.

National Institute of Epidemiology resources will also be used for random tests to check for community transmission. While NIE may use the kits in “hot” and “cold” spots to study prevalence of the disease, a doctor said no one in a hotspot will wait for seven days after onset of symptoms. “We will use PCR tests on everyone. So many rapid kits may not be required.”


SHORTER WAIT: Healthcare professionals use a rapid testing kit imported from China to screen a patient for Covid-19 at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital

Crammed into MTC buses, sanitary workers go to duty
Srikkanth.D@timesgroup.com

Chennai:19.04.2020

They are among the frontline workers who are exposing themselves to the maximum threat in the fight against Covid-19 but the authorities’ neglect has forced the sanitary workers of the city corporation to be bundled up in MTC buses with no regard for physical distancing.

This has created unrest among the sanitary workers who find themselves in a tricky situation. “We have to work every day for our livelihood. There is no option,” said A Mithilan (name changed), a sanitary worker with the city corporation.

According to the Chennai corporation red flag union, 22,430 sanitary workers are deployed in the city currently. They include those taken on short contract for three months for Covid-19 work. Some of them are deployed for work at government hospitals.

When the lockdown was announced, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) had announced that they would be operating 200 special buses to transport government staff including sanitary workers for Covid-19-related work.

“They should either increase the number of buses or at least look at increasing the number of trips. At least 70 workers are crammed in a bus,” said P Srinivasalu, general secretary of the Chennai corporation red flag union.

Srinivasalu said some are forced to travel as a group in garbage collection vans too.

It is not clear whether other government staff on Covid-19 duty are made to travel like the Sanitary workers.

“We have flagged the issue with senior officials and zone level officers. The officials have promised immediate action,” said Srinivasalu.

Sanitary workers also requested the civic body to provide personal protective equipment to those workers who are deployed in sanitation works in the containment zones.

There are 84 streets barricaded in city limits as micro containment zones. “In some areas, we have been advised to make our own masks. That is fine but those working in other areas should be provided with full protective gears for work in the containment streets,” said a member of the red flag union.

A senior corporation official said the concerns of the sanitary workers are being looked into. “We have set up hand wash tubs at most localities for sanitary workers. Zonal officers have been instructed to address the issues immediately. We will be co-ordinating with the MTC for a solution,” said an official.


NEGLECTED: Sanitary workers are packed into an MTC bus on their way to work

Rlys deducts booking fee, passengers cry foul

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:19.04.2020

Railways have started to issue refunds for online tickets for travel during shutdown period but is deducting booking fee though IRCTC had declared that people will get full refund.

This has created confusion among passengers who have taken to social media to point out the discrepancy in the announcement and what is being implemented.

Passengers complain that railways are deducting Rs15 to Rs30 plus GST for cancellation of tickets. Money is being refunded after deducting ₹15 for sleeper class tickets and₹30 for air-conditioned class tickets. A passenger tweeted: “It’s a mistake on the part of Railway to start IRCTC booking. So why should customers bear this loss. Please refund entire amount as soon as possible.”

A few have also tweeted hinting that railways will be making money by holding back the booking fee. Railways will make ₹7crore by deducting ₹18 (inclusive of taxes) for the 39 lakh cancelled tickets, said a passenger in a social media post. Indian Railways had announced that it will be cancelling around 39 lakh tickets for journeys between April 15 and May 3. However, people have also criticised railways for keeping reservations open after April 15 when there was an uncertainty over extension of the lockdown period.

T Sadagopan, a frequent traveller and consumer activist, said, “This shows that there is no transparency. They cannot say there will be full refund and then deduct money. Ideally railways should have given a breakup of the charges that will be refunded when they said full refund will be issued.”

IRCTC also delayed issuing full refunds and deducted reservation charges of Rs120 for sleeper class and Rs180 for air-conditioned class for tickets for tickets that were cancelled when the lockdown was announced from March 26 to April 14. They started to refund the money only after there was a public outcry.

A railway official said refunds were being issued based on the policy adopted by the ministry.

Infection rate falling in Chennai, 12 TN districts

Madurai Is The Sole Exception Where It’s Rising

Pushpa.Narayan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:19.04.2020

The numbers bring some good news. The rate at which people are being infected is slowing in Chennai and 12 other districts of Tamil Nadu that have at least 40 cases as of Friday, with Madurai the only exception.

TOI’s analysis of the data put out by the state health department shows that although the total number of cases in all TN districts has been increasing over the past three weeks, the growth rate has slowed. This is reflected in the compound daily growth rate (CDGR) or the average percentage of daily increase, which has been dropping across districts, and most dramatically in Chennai.

While overall, the state recorded a CDGR of 21% between April 1 and April 6, it came down to 9.3% between April 6 and April 11. The week after that till Friday, it dropped to 5.3%. All districts, except Madurai, reflected the trend. “This means the state has been able to not just track maximum number of cases within the cluster but has been able to effectively pull down the curve uniformly across all districts,” said health minister C Vijayabaskar.

The biggest drop was recorded by Chennai, which has the most Covid-19 positive cases in the state — 228 as of Friday. The state capital’s CDGR of 33.4% in the first week of April dropped by nearly 30 percentage points to 3.8% by April 17. In Tirupur, it came down from 47.6 %to 20.6% while Namakkal brought it down from 9.2% to 3.4%. 

Daily avg increase in cases at 59

The only district that has been seeing a consistent increase was Madurai, where the CDGR went up from 4.8% to 9.9% in three weeks.

Over all, the state which had 124 cases on March 31 saw its first three digit daily rise of 110 – the biggest jump till date – on April 1. That day, the total number of Covid-19 cases recorded by Tamil Nadu was

234. The same day, Coimbatore reported 28 cases, Tirunelveli reported 26, Theni reported 20, and Dindigal had 17 new cases.

In the next three days, the number of cases reported by the state saw a steep climb, with an average daily increase of 82 cases. On April 4, the state’s total number of cases doubled to 485. During those three days the number of cases in Chennai alone went up from 26 to 88, Ranipet had 22 new cases, and in Dindigul cases went up from 17 to 43. “That was the shortest doubling period the state saw,” said joint director of public health (epidemiology) Dr P Sampath.

The next doubling period happened over a week, when the number increased to 969 on April 11. During this time the average daily increase came down to 69 cases, although more cases were reported in Chennai, Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Tirunelveli. Between April 11 and now, the daily average increase across the states has fallen to 59 cases across all districts.

2 lawyers donate Re 1 for lockdown relief

Bar Council To Give Them ‘Certificate Of Appreciation’

A.Subramani@timesgroup.com

Chennai:19.04.2020

How low can someone stoop to belittle people’s collective effort to fight the fallout of coronavirus? Ask two lawyers of the Madras high court.

They ‘donated’ Re1(Rupee One Only) to the lockdown relief fund of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Two other advocates have ‘donated’ ₹10 (Rupees 10 only) each.

These princely sums were transferred to the council’s bank account through e-transfer mode.

The council, which has mobilised more than ₹60 lakh so far, has now decided to acknowledge these ‘donations’ and issue a certificate to these ‘star donors’ appreciating their ‘spirit of giving.’ It has already published the ‘donations’ along with the bank transfer details on its website.

Vice-chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI) and senior advocate S Prabakaran said details of all the four lawyers have been traced, and they would be given the certificate in appreciation of their attitude towards the lockdown relief fund.

Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry started the fund collection drive in response to calls from different sections of the legal fraternity highlighting the pitiable economic condition of hundreds of lawyers across the state due to the lockdown. Justice S M Subramaniam kicked off the campaign by donating ₹2.5 lakh to the fund. Several top lawyers have donated up to ₹5 lakh each.

Of the 216 donors, two have given Re 1 each and two others have donated ₹10 each, Prabakaran said, adding that while one person has transferred ₹101, another two people have sent ₹200 each. Others have donated ₹500 and more.

It’s like making a mockery of the exercise, said R C Paul Kanagaraj, Bar Council member. 

It’s like making a mockery of efforts taken: Bar member

The former president of Madras High Court Advocates Association (MHAA), who first requested the council to float a cash relief scheme for indigent lawyers and then filed a writ petition in the Madras high court, condemned the ₹1 ‘donation’.

“Donation is a voluntary act. One may or may not agree with Good Samaritan initiatives. One may or may not make any contribution. But it is not fair to humiliate the very initiative by donating paltry sums and making a mockery of the exercise,” Paul Kanagaraj said.

Since the lockdown came into force, several representations were given to government and the bar council by lawyers, and cases, including one filed by senior advocate A E Chelliah, demanded relief ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000. Bowing to the pressure, the council floated the fund with Justice Subramaniam’s contribution.

புதுக்கோட்டை டூ திருநெல்வேலி: ஊரடங்கு காலத்தில் ஒரு பாசப் பயணம்

By -சா. ஜெயப்பிரகாஷ் | Published on : 18th April 2020 01:57 PM |

வேலைக்காகப் புதுக்கோட்டையில் தங்கியிருந்த பெண், தனது இரண்டரை வயது மகன் உடல்நலக் குறைவால் மருத்துவமனையில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டதைக் கேள்விப்பட்டு, ஊரடங்கு காலத்தில் புதுக்கோட்டையிலிருந்து திருநெல்வேலிக்குச் சென்ற பாசப் பயணம் வெள்ளிக்கிழமை மாலையில் நடைபெற்றது.

திருநெல்வேலி அருகே மருதன் புதூர் கிராமத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவர் பவித்ரா (22). இவரது கணவர் முருகேசன். கட்டடத் தொழிலாளி. இவர்களுக்கு இரண்டரை வயது மகேஸ்வரன் என்ற மகன் உள்ளார். குடும்ப வறுமையைச் சமாளிக்க நெல்லையிலிருந்து வெகுதொலைவில் (சுமார் 350 கிமீ தொலைவில்) உள்ள புதுக்கோட்டையில் ஊரகப் பணிகளில் ஒப்பந்தப் பணியாளராகப் பணியில் சேர்ந்து பணிபுரிந்து வந்தார் பவித்ரா.

கரோனா வைரஸ் பரவலைத் தடுக்கும் வகையில் ஊரடங்கு உத்தரவு பிறப்பிக்கப்பட்டவுடன் சஞ்சலம் அடைந்த பவித்ராவின் மனம், 21 நாட்கள்தானே என மனதைத் தேற்றிக் கொண்டார். ஆனால், மிகக் குறைந்த ஊதியம் வாங்கிக் கொண்டிருந்த பவித்ராவுக்கு அடுத்து மே 3ஆம் தேதி வரை ஊரடங்கு நீட்டிக்கப்படுவதாக வந்த தகவல் பேரிடியாக விழுந்தது.

அதேநேரத்தில், திருநெல்வேலி அரசு மருத்துவமனையில் தனது மகன் மகேஸ்வரன் காய்ச்சல் காரணமாக அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டிருக்கிறான் என்ற தகவல் பெரும் கலக்கத்தை ஏற்படுத்தியது. எப்படியாவது ஊர்ப் போய்ச் சேரமாட்டோமா, மகனைப் பார்க்க மாட்டோமா என்ற கவலையில் ஆழ்ந்தார் பவித்ரா.

ஊரடங்குக் கால மீட்பு மற்றும் நிவாரணப் பணிகளிலிருந்த துணைவன் அமைப்பின் ஒருங்கிணைப்பாளர் புதுகை செல்வாவுக்கு தகவல் கிடைக்க, நேரில் சென்று அந்தப் பெண்ணிடம் விசாரணை நடத்தினார். சட்டப்படியான உதவிகளைப் பெறுவதற்காக காவல் துறை உதவியையும் அவர் நாடினார். இதையடுத்து பவித்ராவை நெல்லைக்கு அனுப்பி வைப்பதற்கான திட்டம் தீட்டப்பட்டது.

முகநூலில் புதுகை செல்வா ஒரு பதிவையிட்டார். நேரடியாக நெல்லை வரை அவரை அனுப்பி வைக்க இயலாவிட்டாலும் கூட, இடையே ஒவ்வோர் இடத்தில் ரிலே ரேஸ் போல இறக்கிவிட்டு, அங்கிருந்து வேறு தன்னார்வலர்கள் மூலம் நெல்லைக்கு அழைத்துச் செல்ல முடியுமா என்று கூட யோசித்திருக்கிறார்கள்.

முகநூலில் இந்தப் பதிவைப் பலரும் பகிர, உதவிக்குப் பலரும் முன்வந்தார்கள். ஆனால், அனுமதி பெறுவது அவ்வாறு தனித்தனியே வாங்க முடியாதே பவித்ராவின் உண்மை நிலையைக் காவல் துறையினர் மூலம் உறுதிப்படுத்திவிட்டு ஆன்லைன் மூலம் புதுக்கோட்டை டூ நெல்லைக்கு இ-அனுமதி பெறப்பட்டது.

கொடையாளர்களின் உதவியுடன் கார் ஒன்றை ஏற்பாடு வெள்ளிக்கிழமை பிற்பகலில் அனுப்பி வைத்தனர். அந்தக் காரும் மதுரையில் பழுதடைந்தது. உடனடியாக மதுரையிலிருந்த டாக்டர் தேவ்ஆனந்த் என்பவர் தனது காரில் பவித்ராவை அழைத்துக்கொள்ள அங்கிருந்து கார் பயணம் நெல்லைக்குத் தொடர்ந்தது.

இதற்கிடையே நெல்லையில் உதவி ஆட்சியராகப் பணியாற்றும் புதுக்கோட்டையைச் சேர்ந்த சிவகுரு பிரபாகரன் என்ற ஐஏஎஸ் அதிகாரி முகநூல் வழியே தகவலறிந்து புதுகை செல்வாவைத் தொடர்பு கொண்டுள்ளார்.

பவித்ரா வரும் வாகன எண்ணைப் பெற்றுக்கொண்டு வழியே எங்கெல்லாம் காவல் துறையின் சோதனைச் சாவடிகள் இருக்குமோ அங்கெல்லாமும் தகவல் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இப்படியாக வெள்ளிக்கிழமை இரவு 10.30 மணிக்கு நெல்லை அரசு மருத்துவமனைக்குச் சென்ற பவித்ராவுக்கு இன்னொரு சிக்கலும் ஏற்பட்டது. சிறுவனை டிஸ்சார்ஜ் செய்து கொண்டு அவரது தந்தை மருதன்புதூர் சென்றுவிட்டார். நெல்லையிலிருந்து அந்த ஊருக்கு 30 கிமீ தொலைவு. இரவோடு இரவாக அங்கேயுள்ள காவலர்களின் உதவியை நாடிய பவித்ரா ஒரு வழியாக இரவு 12 மணிக்கு மருதன் புதூர் சென்றடைந்தார்.

ஆங்காங்கே உதவிய தன்னார்வலர்களின், மனமும், ஈடில்லா செயலும், பவித்ராவை அவரது மகன் மகேஸ்வரனிடம் கொண்டு சேர்த்தது. உடல் நலக்குறைவாக இருந்த மகேஸ்வரனும் நலம் பெற்றிருக்கிறான்.

வெறும் பத்தாயிரம் ரூபாய் ஊதியத்துக்காக 350 கிமீ தொலைவிலிருந்து வந்து ஓர் இளம்பெண் அறியாத ஊரில் பணியாற்றி வந்திருக்கிறார் என்பது ஒரு சாம்பிள்தான். இன்னும் எத்தனைப் பேரோ, ஊரடங்கு பல தகவல்களை ஊரறியச் செய்து வருகிறது.

இனி 6 மணி நேரத்தில் பரிசோதனை முடிவு பெறலாம்: தூத்துக்குடியில் கரோனா ஆய்வகம் தொடக்கம்

தூத்துக்குடி

தூத்துக்குடி அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லூரி மருத்துவமனையில் கரோனா பரிசோதனை ஆய்வகத்தை அமைச்சர் கடம்பூர் செ.ராஜூ இன்று திறந்து வைத்தார்.

தமிழகத்தில் அனைத்து மாவட்டங்களிலும் கரோனா பரிசோதனை ஆய்வகம் அமைக்கப்படும் என, தமிழக முதல்வர் கே.பழனிச்சாமி அறிவித்திருந்தார்.

அதன்படி தூத்துக்குடி அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லூரி மருத்துவமனையில் கரோனா ஆய்வகம் அமைக்கப்பட்டது. இந்த ஆய்வகத்தை தமிழக செய்தி மற்றும்விளம்பரத்துறை அமைச்சர் கடம்பூர் செ.ராஜூ இன்று மக்கள் பயன்பாட்டுக்கு திறந்து வைத்தார்.



நிகழ்ச்சியில் சட்டப்பேரவை உறுப்பினர்கள் எஸ்.பி.சண்முகநாதன், பி.சின்னப்பன், மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர் சந்தீப் நந்தூரி, மாவட்ட காவல் கண்காணிப்பாளர் அருண் பாலகோபாலன், மருத்துவக் கல்லூரி டீன் திருவாசகமணி, உறைவிட மருத்துவ அலுவலர் சைலஸ் ஜெயமணி உள்ளிட்டோர் கலந்து கொண்டனர். பின்னர் அமைச்சர் கடம்பூர் ராஜூ செய்தியாளர்களிடம் கூறியதாவது:

தூத்துக்குடி அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லூரி மருத்துவமனையில் ரூ.80 லட்சம் செலவில் கரோனா பரிசோதனை ஆய்வகம் அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இதுவரை கரோனா பரிசோதனைக்காக மாதிரிகள் திருநெல்வேலிக்கு அனுப்பப்பட்டன.

இதனால் முடிவுகள் 24 மணி நேரம் கழித்தே கிடைத்தது. தற்போது தூத்துக்குடியிலேயேபரிசோதனை செய்ய முடியும். இதன் மூலம் 6 மணி நேரத்தில் முடிவை பெறலாம். ஒரு நாளைக்கு 70 பேருக்கு பரிசோதனை செய்ய முடியும்.

24 மணி நேரமும் செயல்படும் இந்த ஆய்வகத்தில் 2 மருத்துவர்கள், 4 தொழில்நுட்பவியலாளர்கள் என 6 பேர் சுழற்சி முறையில் பணியாற்றுவார்கள். மாவட்டத்தில் இதுவரை 1347 பேருக்கு கரோனை பரிசோதனை செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது.

அதில் 26 பேருக்கு மட்டுமே தொற்று உறுதி செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது என்றார் அமைச்சர். முன்னதாக தூத்துக்குடி மாநகராட்சியில் பணியாற்றும் 2100தூய்மை பணியாளர்களுக்கு அரிசி, பருப்பு உள்ளிட்ட அத்தியாவசிய பொருட்களை அமைச்சர் வழங்கினார்.

ATMs, BCs working at full capacity

18.04.2020

Mumbai: Automated teller machines and business correspondents, who take banking services to far flung areas, are working at high capacity levels to ensure financial services reach everybody, said RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das. The comments on currency come amid media reports of a Rs 86,000 crore jump in currency circulation in March and also a greater tendency among people to withdraw to hoard cash amid the lockdown. “Regional offices of the RBI have supplied fresh currency of Rs 1.2 lakh crore from March 1 till April 14 to meet increased demand,” Das said. PTI

IAS officer transferred for ‘highhandedness’

18.04.2020

Jaipur: A woman IAS officer was transferred after a former Congress MLA accused her of high-handedness in dealing with public in Rajasthan‘s Chittorgarh district to enforce lockdown. In his complaint former Congress MLA Surendra Singh Jadavat alleged that Chittorgarh SDM Tejasvi Rana also snatched currency notes from vendors in the mandi and tore the up. Rana was transferred after some videos, purportedly showing her snatching registers from traders in a mandi and throwing them. PTI

Woman drives 2,700 km to meet ailing son

The woman was accompanied by her daughter-in-law and another relative during the journey, which they covered in 3 days’ time

Kottayam/Thiruvananthapuram  18.04.2020

A 50-year-old woman travelled 2,700 km in a car crisscrossing 6 States to meet her critically ill son, a BSF jawan in Jodhpur, despite strict lockdown restrictions due to Covid-19. The woman was accompanied by her daughter-in-law and another relative during the journey, which they covered in 3 days’ time.

Sheelamma Vasan said the health condition of her son, Arun Kumar (29), who was suffering from myositis, (inflamation of muscles), was improving. “Due to god’s grace we have reached here without any problems anywhere”, she said.

The family was informed by a doctor at AIIMS in Jodhpur about Arun Kumars condition following which they decided to undertake the journey from Kerala through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat to reach Rajasthan.

Thanks to the intervention of Union Minister V Muraleedharan, office of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress leader Oommen Chandy, the family could get necessary passes for the travel across the States. Volunteers of Hindu help line helped in arranging a cab and two taxi drivers free of cost to take them to Jodhpur.

After getting necessary passes arranged by Kottayam Collector PK Sudheer Babu, Sheelaamma accompanied by her daughter-in-law Parvathyand another relative set off on the journey from Panackachira village in Kottayam on April 11and reached Jodhpur on 14th. The jawan, who had come to his village in February end on leave and days after his return had fallen ill, had expressed desire to meet his mother and wife. PTI

Parents watch son’s funeral on Facebook

Parents, who were in UAE, unable to attend their son’s funeral as they could not accompany his body flown to Kerala

Dubai  118.04.2020

Bidding the final goodbye is always a difficult thing and for an Indian family in the UAE it became more harder as they had to do it virtually due to travel restrictions amid the Covid-19 outbreak, according to a media report.

The family had to watch the funeral of their cancer-stricken son on Facebook as they could not accompany his body flown to Kerala due to travel restrictions, the Gulf News reported.

Born on Easter in 2004, Jeuel G Jomay lost his seven-year-long battle with cancer this Good Friday, a day before he turned 16 on April 11. A grade 10 student of GEMS Millennium School in Sharjah, Jeuel breathed his last at a hospital in Dubai, where he was admitted two weeks earlier, the report said.

His heartbroken family comprising his parents and two younger brothers wished to lay him to rest in their hometown in Pathanamthitta.

After days of struggle, the family got approval for sending the mortal remains of the boy on a cargo plane on Wednesday, with support from social workers and government officials. However, none of them could fly along. “None of the flights was getting sanctioned soon. His father wanted to fly with him. But that was not possible. Finally, we managed to send him yesterday. We are grateful to everyone who supported us,” the paper quoted Jeuel’s cousin as saying.

Due to the movement restrictions and social distancing rules, she said only the family members could attend a prayer held at the embalming centre in Muhaisnah before the body was flown to Kerala on an Emirates cargo flight, the family member said. PTI

AP woman refused husband’s entry without Covid test

Amaravati  18.04.2020

The surging fears and stigma over coronavirus infection forced a woman in Andhra Pradesh refused entry to her husband in the house, till he underwent Covid-19 test.

The incident occurred in Venkatagiri in Nellore district when the man stuck in Nellore since the lockdown began finally returned to his home town. The man, working in a gold shop in Nellore, was stranded there. He finally succeeded in reaching Venkatagiri on Wednesday. However, his wife asked him to first undergo the screening for coronavirus before entering the house. She said this was necessary for the safety of the children and the community. She suggested he stay in a local Anganwadi centre and requested volunteers to get a test done on him. The health personnel later took the man to Nellore, where his samples were collected. The test result was negative, much to the relief of the man and his family. IANS