Scam detected as dead man ‘tests negative’

Scam detected as dead man ‘tests negative’

He was startled because his wife and father weren’t tested; and his father died on September 22 last year, and his wife wasn’t in Tenkasi.

Published: 21st April 2021 04:59 AM | Last Updated: 21st April 2021 04:59 AM

By Sreemathi M

Express News Service

TENKASI: Vinoth Victor Antony, a native of Surandai in Tenkasi district and a resident of Madampakkam in Chennai, was shocked when he got a message from Tenkasi Government Headquarters Hospital on Sunday, saying his wife tested positive for coronavirus and his father negative.

He was startled because his wife and father weren’t tested; and his father died on September 22 last year, and his wife wasn’t in Tenkasi. Vinoth (30), a businessman, told TNIE he submitted a petition to the Directorate of Public Health and Tenkasi Collector GS Sameeran regarding the test results and seeking action against those who impersonated his wife and father.

In an audio clip that has gone viral, officials at the Tenkasi control room are heard verifying the names of his father, Anthonyraj, and wife, Jensi (28). Vinoth claimed there is no way they gave swab samples in Tenkasi as the last time he visited Surandai was to vote, and his wife last visited about six months ago. Sameeran said legal action would be taken against the impersonators.

“All samples taken during the past week have been collected and are now being verified with people in the region,” he said. Tenkasi Government Headquarters Hospital superintendent Dr R Jesline said giving such false information is a criminal offence.

Youngsters now at greater risk?

Unlike last year, many youngsters now have severe Covid symptoms, and this wave has so far killed about 10 young people in TN who had no comorbidities. “Many youngsters are presenting respiratory symptoms and pneumonia. Early admission may save their lives,” said RGGGH dean Dr E Theranirajan

Kovai kids falling ill

This year alone, 2,775 children in Coimbatore under the age of 14 got Covid-19, compared to 2,318 between March and December 2020

TN tracker 79,804

Active cases

99,246 more people tested

10,13,378 tally

13,205 toll

3,711 new cases, 17 deaths in Chennai