With no bus, food, jobs, migrants make long march to village home

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  27.03.2020

A new humanitarian crisis may be unfolding in the country. Tens of thousands of desperate people, mainly migrant labour reduced to joblessness by the lockdown and with little or no money or food, have been streaming out of major cities for the past few days, attempting foot marches of hundreds of kilometres to reach their homes in India’s small towns and villages. Some were barefoot, and one had handkerchiefs wrapped around his feet and broken slippers stuffed into his pockets in the hope of repair.

These tides of men, and women and children, driven by the uncompromising arithmetic of survival and fear of contracting the novel coronavirus, pose a new challenge to the government’s all-out attempts to contain the spread of Covid-19.

“Some 26,000 people have reached Ratanpur, on the Gujarat-Rajasthan border, in the past two-three days. Our teams are listing them, they are being screened by medical teams. Those who have been advised quarantine are stamped and being transported to their villages on buses arranged by the administration,” Dungarpur collector Kanaram told TOI.

Migrant workers walk back to their villages in New Delhi on Thursday

‘A few organisations have arranged for food and water for migrating workers’

There were thousands leaving the Delhi National Capital Region, trudging down the Yamuna Expressway and the expressway to Meerut. Raj Kumar was one; he had set out for home with just 1,000 in hand. But home was Chhapra in Bihar, 1,050 km away. And he had a toddler in his arms while his wife walked beside him. He was hoping he could hitch a ride home.

Police checkposts on the outskirts of Jaipur, especially along the Jaipur-Agra, Jaipur-Sikar and Jaipur-Ajmer highways, are coming across people walking back to their villages; they had been asked by their families to return home. TOI visited the Jaipur-Agra highway near the Goner road and found many walking on the road, carrying bags and luggage. “My village is nearly 110 km from Jaipur. I have no option but to go back. The police stopped us at a few places but, when convinced that we had no other choice, they let us carry on,” said Kishan Mahawar a daily-wage labourer.

“On Wednesday night we have stopped a truck carrying vegetables and asked the driver to drop five workers to Kishangarh,” said Sultan Singh, a cop posted at Poorani Chungi. The scale of movement is so large that it frightened senior officers at the Jaipur police commissionerate when they were told by subordinates that hundreds of workers were walking towards Transport Nagar.

“A migration is on… We have spoken to many of them who are left without any money. Yesterday we helped some of them reach their villages,” said Jaipur commissioner Anand Srivastav. A few voluntary organisations have arranged for food and water for these migrating workers.

On the Gujarat-Rajasthan border, patwaris were preparing lists of the arriving population according to the areas to which they belong and medical teams have been working day and night screening them. Most of them do not have money and had not eaten properly, Kanaram, the collector, said.

Full report on www.toi.in

Final-year medicos may join virus war

Sushmi.Dey@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:27.03.2020

In urgent measures to ramp up medical capacity to tackle any sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, the government is considering facilitating fifth-year MBBS students and retired but practising doctors to help in managing patients if necessary.

The ministry and the Board of Governors in Supersession of Medical Council of India (BoG-MCI) is looking at senior medical students being given a provisional permit to practise and manage Covid-19 cases, sources said.

The suggestions include allowing specialist doctors in vital specialities like anaesthesiology, pulmonology, cardiology and radiology who are waiting to appear for the final exam with a “Board Eligible” degree so that they assist in medical management. They could be “Board Certified”. Estimates show there are around 50,000 such specialist doctors who can play a significant role in critical care management if the number of hospitalization cases of Covid-19 increases in coming weeks. The proposal also includes relaxing norms and giving temporary licence to those who have pursued medical education from foreign universities in Russia and China and are waiting to clear MCI’s eligibility test. Such doctors can be allowed to work in hospitals under senior doctors to tackle the current situation.

‘Rate of increase relatively stable’

Stressing on the need to maintain strict vigil during the lockdown, the government on Thursday said the rate of increase in Covid-19 positive cases has “relatively stabilised” in the last few days. The health ministry reported 88 new cases, taking the total to 694. Though the number of cases is increasing, there is a relatively stable trend in the rate of increase, health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal said.

Govt augmenting testing facilities and labs despite focus on isolation

Health minister Harsh Vardhan is understood to have asked NITI Aayog member V K Paul — who also heads the BoG-MCI — to review the proposal, sources in the ministry said.

The proposal is crucial as it has the potential to address the shortage of doctors, mainly specialists in the country. Such doctors along with nurses and paramedics are absolutely essential to tackle any community spread of the disease.

Though India’s strategy against Covid-19 is focused on breaking the chain of transmission, there are concerns over a rise in mortality and critical care infrastructure to tackle the menace.

The government and the BoG has already legalized telemedicine and issued guidelines for the same in order to make healthcare accessible in remote areas as well as decongest hospitals from other consultations.

Around 17 states have started working at dedicated Covid-19 hospitals. Besides, the government has also earmarked beds for isolation and treatment of Covid-19 patients in both public and private hospitals.

Despite a focus on isolation to break the chain of transmission, the government is simultaneously augmenting its testing facilities and laboratories.

Currently, there are 119 public laboratories under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) capable of conducting 12,000 Covid-19 tests every day.

Besides, the council has also approved 25 private labs with over 20,000 collection centres to test Covid-19 suspected patients across the country.

1-yr jail for Sec 144 breach in TN, goods may reach homes

₹1,000 Dole To PDS Households From April 2

Julie.Mariappan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:27.03.2020

The state is doing everything to ensure that people are not denied essentials during the nationwide lockdown, a top government official has said.

After a videoconference lasting nearly four hours with district collectors on Thursday, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami instructed them to ensure that from April 2 government staff hand over ₹1,000 to each rice cardholder at their doorstep, the official told TOI. Grocery shops and cooperative stores will also door-deliver essentials, he said.

“CM has directed the collectors to provide cash assistance at the doorstep. Some said they could deliver PDS goods for the month of April too at people’s homes and they were told to do so. If it is not possible, a token system should be followed with due precaution on social distancing without allowing crowding. If necessary, they should take police help. The PDS relief will be provided from April 2,” the official said.

The government also warned private banks, small financial institutions and self-help groups of legal action if they don’t suspend, until further orders, the daily/weekly/monthly collection of interest and principal towards loan dues.

The state invoked provisions of the Disaster Management Act superseding its previous notification under the Epidemic Act, and issued a notification for the on-going 21-day lockdown called by the Centre. As per the DM Act, anyone refusing to comply with any government direction will get a jail term of one year or fine, or both.

Firefighters spray disinfectant over a TNHB quarters in Chennai

9 panels to ensure nonstop supply of essential commodities

If refusal to comply with directions leads to loss of life, violators can get two-year jail term. Sources say the state may still include additional regulations, if any, under Epidemic Act.

A government release said the government provided officials with the names of 54,000 people who arrived from foreign countries and ensure they remained in quarantine for active monitoring. Since those in contact with Covid-19 patients are under isolation and prohibited from coming out, district collectors were told to ensure supply of essentials with adequate protection. Those who violate orders will be fined and criminal action initiated against them.

District administrators have swung into action by putting out on social media the names and numbers of shops that can door deliver essentials. Dindigul collector M Vijayalakshmi said vegetable markets in four places, including Palani Road truck terminal, will function from Friday. Tuticorin and Tirunelveli administrations made similar arrangements. In Tirunelveli, orders can be placed from selective shops between 9am and 4pm on payment of ₹25 towards delivery.

Earlier, the chief minister ordered setting up of nine committees led by senior bureaucrats to ensure uninterrupted supply of essentials and resolve disruptions. District administration officials should disinfect periodically densely populated slum clearance board tenements, religious places, markets and large streets. Adequate awareness should be created about the infectious disease through loud speakers and by issuing pamphlets. Senior citizens, sick, pregnant women and isolated families, those who wish to do dialysis can reach helpline 108 for any emergency. The 108 ambulance service will work in tandem.

(With inputs from Padmini Sivarajah)

Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami holds a review meeting with district collectors via video conferencing on the preventive measures taken against the spread of coronavirus. Deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam, ministers C Vijayabaskar, RB Udayakumar, chief secretary K Shanmugam, director general of police JK Tripathy were among those present

370 stranded passengers in Trichy airlifted to Malaysia

TNN | Mar 26, 2020, 04.29 AM IST

TRICHY: Around 370 passengers, who had been stranded in Trichy following the cancellation of international flights from India in the wake of Covid-19 outbreak, were airlifted by two special rescue flights to Kuala Lumpur early on Wednesday. Earlier, as many as 186 stranded Malaysian passengers were flown to Kuala Lumpur on a special flight on Saturday.

A group of Malaysian tourists arrived at Tamil Nadu two weeks ago and had planned to return to Kuala Lumpur on March 18 via Trichy international airport. On arrival, they were told that all flights to Kuala Lumpur have been cancelled.

On information, an official from the Malaysian consulate in Chennai arrived at Trichy airport on March 18 and assured them to do the needful to send them back safely after arranging a special flight

Air Asia operated two rescue flights from Trichy to Kuala Lumpur to ferry the stranded Malaysian nationals on Tuesday night.

Mobile vegetable shops a boon for villages in districts

TNN | Mar 27, 2020, 04.42 AM IST

Trichy: M Mohamed Saleem, 46, who has been selling vegetables at the weekly markets in Trichy, has converted his mini truck into a mobile vegetable shop to cater to the needs of villages around Trichy and Pudukottai.

He says people in the city can take their motorcycles to the neighbourhoods to purchase vegetables from markets. But for many villagers, cities have become inaccessible in the absence of public transport.

Mohamed along with his wife purchases vegetables from Gandhi market and sell them in a few villages on the outskirts.

Mohamed is not alone in the business, there are many in the area who are running such mobile vegetable shops. “Villages do not have access to markets now,” said M Rajesh from Mullupatti near Avur. Such mobile vegetables shops are of good help, he said.

S Ramalingam, 45, owner of another mobile vegetable shop, said that they have been spreading awareness on Covid-19. “We will try to keep the price low, but the state government must ensure that supply of vegetables to markets is not affected, which may lead to price hike,” he said.

“Many villages are hesitant to venture out of their house fearing police action. Such mobile shops, in a way have reduced the number of people outdoors,” said T Ramakishanan from Thiruverumbur.

Ministers in Salem zero in on home districts

TNN | Mar 26, 2020, 04.01 AM IST

SALEM: Ministers from Salem region on Wednesday chaired a meeting with their home district administrations to take stock of preparedness to fight Covid-19 outbreak.

Talking to the media, School education minister K A Sengottaiyan said Erode district administration has made all the arrangements contain the pandemic. “The two Covid-19 positive patients are being provided treatment and four of their close contacts are being monitored , despite them being tested negative for the virus.”

Pointing out that 1,118 people from 295 families had come into contact with the Covid-19 patients, the minister said all of them were under home quarantine and being monitored by health officials thrice a day.He said the district was prepared to handle 363 Covid-19 patients at a time in its government and private hospitals.

Electricity minister Thangamani said the state government had allotted Rs 2.5 crore for Namakkal district to fight Covid-19. “The district administration had identified 293 people who have returned from abroad. Of them, 230 are under quarantine, while the remaining have completed the same.”

Higher education minister K P Anbalagan said in Dharmapuri 69 people had returned from abroad. “Of them, 19 were in China. A total 47 people are still under quarantine. The district GH has the facility to handle 370 Covid-19 patients,” he said.

It was a complete disregard for law in Salem region

TNN | Mar 26, 2020, 04.59 AM IST

SALEM: In a complete disregard for the state government’s efforts to contain Covid-19 outbreak by imposing Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, people in Salem region on Wednesday took to streets in large numbers as usual.

While Salem city police booked 10 motorists for violating Section 144 and registered another 1500 cases of traffic violation, a total of 54 people were arrested across Namakkal district for violating Section 144. Namakkal superintendent of police R Arularasu said people had gathered in large groups in various places of the district.

Talking to TOI, Salem city police commissioner T Senthil Kumar said strict action would be taken against the people who violate CrPC section in the coming days. “Since it was the first day of curfew, we warned the public, especially motorists, when they came out on roads. Ten of them were booked under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Indian Penal Code.”

He said many motorists had taken to the streets for jolly rides while the entire nation was fighting Covid-19 outbreak. “I have directed police personnel to check medical prescriptions and identity cards of road users. Those who fail to produce relevant documents will have to face the law.”

Meanwhile, district collector S A Raman ordered closure of all kinds of tea shops and bakeries from 6pm on Wednesday. He also warned them of strict criminal action, if they were to remain open.

In a few places, including Sathyamangalam in Erode district and Salem city, police personnel resorted to lathi-charge to send out a strong message to the motorists

A senior district administration official in Erode said bikers, especially college students, were coming out of their houses without any valid reasons.

Only 4 relatives attend burial of TN’s first Covid-19 victim

TNN | Mar 26, 2020, 04.04 AM IST

Madurai: The body of the 54-year-old man from Anna Nagar in Madurai city, who died on Wednesday night while undergoing treatment for Covid-19, was laid to rest at a burial ground in Melamadai early in the morning.

His wife, son and two brothers were the only relatives around when the body was taken to the grave.

It was around 2 am that health minister C Vijayabaskar declared the man, who was admitted to the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), dead. He said the patient had a medical history of prolonged illness with steroid-dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and uncontrolled diabetes with hypertension.

The body was shifted directly to the burial ground from GRH around 3.30 am after the authorities completed the hospital procedures. The body was alighted from the hearse van and kept at the ground for an hour until the work of digging the pit was complete.

Other than the family members, a police team from Madhichiyam station which accompanied the body, was also present. There was no medical team or sanitation officers during the burial, which was completed by 5 am.

Meanwhile, the district administration locked down all the ways leading to the street where he was hailing from using barricades fastened with ropes. All the people from 60 houses on the street have been kept under watch. In addition, one street on either side of the particular street has also been locked down. Barricades have been erected at least at eight places to make sure that no one leaves the place or an outsider goes in, police sources said.

Only the residents are allowed to enter, that too after showing proof of residency in the street. One member from the family is allowed to purchase essential articles like milk and groceries from stores available there itself.

Man, 24, in isolation camp ‘escapes’ to meet girlfriend, brought back by cops

TNN | Mar 27, 2020, 04.08 AM IST

Madurai: A 24-year-old Dubai returnee, who was sent for isolation at the Chinna Udaippu camp near the Madurai airport, escaped from there to be with his girlfriend on Wednesday night . However, cops traced him to a village near Sivaganga and brought him back . A case was registered against the youth, said police.

The man was identified as Vijay, 24, from Keelapoongudi village in Sivaganga district. He reached Madurai airport via Delhi airport recently and was found to have symptoms consistent with Covid-19. He was isolated in the camp along with eight others, police said.

As he was found missing, health officials went into panic mode on Wednesday evening. Based on a complaint from the health officials, the Avaniyapuram police traced him using his mobile number to a village near Sivaganga.

Inquiries revealed that he had gone to meet his girlfriend. As the girl’s family were against their relationship, she escaped from her house and the two met at a place. Just when they were planning to get married at a temple, the police picked him up and the girl was sent back to her family, police said.

After the incident, the kidnap complaint filed by the girl’s family was withdrawn. Police sources said that health officials from Sivaganga district have asked the family members to keep the girl in isolation for a few days.

12 held, vehicles impounded for violating curfew orders

TNN | Mar 27, 2020, 04.25 AM IST

Madurai: The city police have arrested 12 people for roaming in the city by violating the curfew orders clamped down by the district administration to prevent the spread of Covid-19. They were arrested under sections 188 of the IPC (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 270 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and under Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. Police also booked 364 vehicle owners and impounded 297 vehicles for violations. A total of Rs 1.22 lakh as fine was levied under Section 179 of the Motor Vehicle Act (Disobedience of orders, obstruction and refusal of information.

S Karumugilan, 37, from Nataraj Nagar was arrested for violating the curfew. He had circulated a message in WhatsApp portraying the police in bad light. He also criticized curfew measures. Police sources said the message, which was sent to many, was encouraging people to come out on the streets.

Police also arrested two more people identified as G Eswarapandian,19, from Ellis Nagar and P Vijayanagendran, 40, from Tahsildar Nagar for wandering unnecessarily at Bypass Road-Kennet Road junction and Mahaboobpalayam respectively on Wednesday. Police tightened control in order to bring down the movement of vehicles as a precautionary measure. Petty cases were registered against those who violated curfew .

They closed all major roads and bridges in the city using barricades and everyone was questioned. Only those who gave convincing replies were allowed to cross the barricades. Even government vehicles were not spared as they were stopped to check whether they were used for official purpose. Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) K Sugumar said that instructions were given to book jolly rides under petty sections. Vehicles of those who involved in repeated offences were impounded in order to send a strong message. While vehicles leaving the city were left without any questioning, only essential vehicles were allowed inside the city.

Select shops to deliver groceries at doorstep

TNN | Mar 27, 2020, 04.56 AM IST

Madurai: The best thing that the district administrations can do to prevent people from crowding in shops is to ensure door delivery of goods, and they are taking steps to ensure the same.

A shopkeeper at Anna Nagar in Madurai said that they were finding it difficult to supply goods owing to the panic buying, as people used to buy essential commodities in large quantities. Now, the corporation has enlisted shops, which could deliver goods, and also roped in volunteers to deliver goods.

Sugumar of K K Nagar said that he thought of doing something useful for the society in the crisis and approached shops to deliver goods. It is only if they have an ID and a local address. This was made mandatory because only people having ID’s given by the corporation authorities could deliver goods. Kumar, a shopkeeper, says that they may approach more volunteers if the situation demands.

A few customers are asking for bulk orders for apartments, and in that case auto rickshaws are being roped in for home delivery. The customer would have to pay the auto charge in addition to the price of the goods. All these operations are expected to begin on Friday, according to corporation sources. But, all delivery personnel will have to wear masks and gloves. Vehicles used for delivery would have to be disinfected.

Dindigul district collector M Vijayalakshmi has said that four markets would be set up at Palani Road Lorry Terminal, Mettupati ground, Nagal Nagar Bharathipuram Market and SMPM School near the Round Road for the convenience of people. These markets would start functioning from March 27. People from villages can also make use of these markets.

The district administration has also put out a list of whatsapp numbers, which will help public get their grocery delivered at their doorsteps to ensure that they did not crowd in the shops. Shops have been identified to be common for many wards of the Dindigul Corporation. For example the Kannan Departmental Store with the whatsapp number 8489943093, could be useful to the people living in ward numbers 1 to 5, 36 to 40, villages under Settiyanayakkampatti panchayat and N S Nagar.

Such arrangements have been made for all the 48 wards in the Dindigul Corporation. She has said that all the vehicles to be used for home delivery would be disinfected and the delivery personnel equipped with protective gear.

Tuticorin and Tirunelveli district administrations have also made similar arrangements. In Tirunelveli, people can order from Pothy’s Super Market, Big Bazaar and Reliance Shop, between 9am and 4pm. Rs 25 would be added as delivery charge to each delivery, Tirunelveli corporation has said.

Docs take up consultation via social media, ensure social distancing

TNN | Mar 27, 2020, 04.55 AM IST

Madurai: Doctors are finding ways to communicate with their patients using technology and social media during this period of social distancing, thereby ensuring that people are not unwontedly exposed to harm. They are monitoring patients, following up and also calming them down through video calls and chats.

Geriatrician Dr N Raja has started consulting his patients through video on WhatsApp. “I shut my clinic for consultation four days back after the Prime Minister ordered the country to go into lockdown. Soon after, I started anxious calls from my patients,” he said.

One of his patients who is undergoing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis wanted to know if it was safe to continue with his medication as he had read that it has side effects. “This is because the patient was overloaded with information on quinone, a name that has been making rounds since the (Covid-19) crisis started,” he said.

Another patients of his had read that the drugs he was taking for hypertension could make him susceptible to the deadly virus. “This is when I ask them to come on a video call and reassure them to take the drug for another month,” he said, adding that he and many other private practitioners do not want to expose patients to any unwanted infection, and hence suggested those on long term medication to continue for another month.

Gynaecologist Dr Revathy Janakiram said she was using social media to provide free consultation to keep them comfortable. “I have a staff nurse and an office assistant in my clinic in case there is an emergency delivery, otherwise I speak to them over WhatsApp, prescribe necessary medicines and follow up after six hours to know how they are doing,” she said. For now, her relief is that most of the deliveries of her patients are scheduled for the first week of April.

K M G Vivekanandham, 66, a patient, said consulting over the phone was a relief. “Being connected with your doctor at times like this is a boon as telephone consulting is the only solution here,” he said.

Dr Raja adds, “Most of my patients have ailments like diabetes and hypertension and many are equipped with devices to know their blood sugar levels and pressure. Hence, counselling them to continue with medication is not a problem. It is only people who do not have monitors that is a matter of concern.” Many private practitioners are also working round-the-clock, like the counterparts in government service, over the phone. “We cannot afford to ignore the calls, so have to answer them,” the doctors said.

HC asks TN to consider plea on creating posts in med college hosps

TNN | Mar 27, 2020, 04.56 AM IST

Madurai: Madras high court has directed the state government to consider a representation on a plea moved by seven people to finalize the proposal regarding creation of emergency care technician posts’ in government medical college hospitals in the state.

The petitioners have completed certificate course for the post of emergency care technicians from 2005 onwards. According to the petitioners, they are well trained in handling both surgical and medical emergencies such as handling high-end mechanical ventilators, dialysis machine, multipara monitor, ECG, nebulization machine, plasmapheresis. The petitioners are continuously requesting the state government to create such posts as it would create employment opportunity to people like them.

Based on the request of the petitioners, the secretary to the government of health and family welfare department in his proceedings on January 30, 2019 had forwarded a proposal to the director of medical education to ascertain the need for creation of such posts in all medical colleges.

In response to the same, the director of medical education has issued a proceedings seeking for a proposal regarding creation of such posts.

Though the petitioners have sent a representation to the authorities seeking to finalize the proposal for creation of the posts, no steps were taken. Hence, the petitioners moved the high court Madurai bench.

Hearing the plea, justice J Nisha Banu observed that by considering the limited prayer sought for in this petition, the state government is directed to dispose of the representation submitted by the petitioners by taking note of the proceedings of the director of medical education.

Covid-19 in Tamil Nadu: Governor, leaders urge people to follow complete lockdown

Mar 25, 2020, 02.47 PM IST

CHENNAI: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced nationwide lockdown for 21 days starting at midnight on Tuesday, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and various political party leaders asked people to stay at their homes.

People who have been instructed to undergo home quarantine must follow it scrupulously. People should not put their lives and those of their near and dear ones in danger. People should keep social distancing, but at the same time should not panic, said Purohit in a statement.

The governor said all essential commodities would be provided by the state government. Noting that it was a challenging situation, he said spread of Covid-19 could be checked only if people stayed at home and broke the chain.

The state government was taking all efforts to control the spread of the virus. It was also doing everything possible to support vulnerable sections of society, he said and added, “I appreciate the state government for taking many proactive steps. I have full trust in the people of Tamil Nadu, let's fight this challenge together”.

DMK president M K Stalin, in a Facebook post, welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement. “I welcome the lockdown for 21 days announced by the Prime Minister. Let us ourselves follow social distancing to prevent the virus from spreading further,” said Stalin.

He said there was no other way to escape from the infection. By fully cooperating with the lockdown, each individual would be safeguarding himself as well as the country, said Stalin.

PMK founder S Ramadoss asked housewives to take charge and implement complete lockdown. No one should be allowed to venture out of their homes, he said. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan also urged people to stay indoors.

Treat your pets like family during lockdown, say experts

TNN | Mar 26, 2020, 12.00 AM IST

Pet parents in Tamil Nadu are in a fix. With misinformation doing the rounds that pet animals can spread COVID-19, animal lovers are perturbed. Adding fuel to the fire was the report that two dogs had tested positive for Coronavirus in Hong Kong. In India, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Maharashtra and other civic bodies had put up hoardings asking people to stay away from pets as a precautionary measure. All this led to people abandoning their furry friends. Though health officials have stated that there is no evidence of animal to human transmission of the virus, it seems some people are not in a mood to listen.

Humane Animal Society, an animal welfare organisation in Coimbatore, has been flooded with calls asking them to take their pets in the shelter. “We have got a number of calls, but we are trying to educate people that the disease doesn’t spread from animals. This is the time for social distancing from people not animals,” says Mini Vasudevan, founder of the organisation.

Michael Abraham of CSK Pet Point, Mylapore, in Chennai, says that he, too, received calls from people asking him to help find a shelter for their pets. “These are people who are going back to their home town from Chennai following the lockdown,” he says.

Animal lovers bear the brunt

“My owner has asked me to move out of the house,” laments Anusha R (name changed), who recently moved to Delhi from Coimbatore. “The only reason being that I have a dog. I tried to explain to her that dogs cannot spread the virus, but in vain.” R Kannan from Gomathipuram in Madurai, on the other hand, has been missing his morning jog with his dog, Veenu. “It’s tough to keep her inside the house. She looks dull. We both need a break.”

There’s good news, too

However, Reshmi Anil Giri, a resident of Prince Highlands, Iyyappanthangal, says that she is glad her gated community is understanding of pets. “Before moving here, the first thing I checked was whether they allowed pets or not. The residents in the apartment are friendly with pets, but I stopped taking her out, to be on the safer side,” she says.

Pets don’t spread Coronavirus

Ask Dr Chinny Krishna, co-founder of Blue Cross of India, about the concerns among pet owners and he says, “Organisations like The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) have sent notifications saying that pets don’t spread Coronavirus."

There is no cross-transmission, says another veterinarian. “Only Section 144 has been imposed. You can take your dog out and go for a walk. Just ensure that you take all the precautionary measures while you do that,” he adds.

Dr G Venu Gobal, veterinary surgeon at JSR pet multi-speciality hospital, Coimbatore, says that pet owners need not panic. “All you need to do for the next 10-15 days is to restrict the movement of dogs outside the house. If you step out, you will be at risk of contracting the virus. It’s advisable to avoid food from outside as well and instead, feed them homemade food.”

No clarity on whether pet shops should be open or not

Pet store owner Michael Abraham feels that pet shops should be open during lockdown. “If pet shops are closed, many animals will suffer. My shop is located in Mylapore and I have regular customers, who buy food for stray dogs during their morning walk and feed them. This will completely stop and the dogs would go hungry,” he says.

Agreeing with him is another pet store owner in Anna Nagar. “We still have no clarity on whether the shops should be open or not. We have to get clarity from the Pet Shops Association. We have birds and small animals inside the store and we are really worried about them,” he says.

When quizzed if there has been an increase in sales after the announcement of lockdown, Michael says, “We received many calls for kitten food. As far as dogs are concerned, you need not worry as you can feed them most of the human food.”

Ensure to take precautionary measures, say experts

Dr Chinny Krishna asks pet lovers to take precautionary measures. “Wash the paws of dogs after you come back home from their walk. Social distancing is applicable to pets as well. Ensure that they do not come in close contact with other animals or people when taken outside.” Mini Vasudevan adds, “This is the time to be there for the animals. All you need to do is practise basic hygiene and not allow them near an unknown person.”

Advisory from Animal Welfare Board of India

A large number of pet shops or animal breeding facility where animals and birds are kept for sale are now shut down due to lockdown/curfew. The animals stranded in such places are likely to suffer and die without food, water and temperature control. All such pet shops are to be evacuated by the State Animal Welfare Boards through SPCAs (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals). It is requested to kindly issue necessary directions to all district authorities to check the pet shops in the locality for searching of animals, if any and evacuate them.

Coronavirus fallout: Tamil Nadu students want Neet put off to June

TNN | Mar 26, 2020, 07.07 AM IST

The crisis triggered by Covid-19 has hit preparations for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, scheduled for May 3, with students and teachers saying the Centre should put off the test till at least June. Many coaching institutes had even planned to start a crash course from Wednesday.

Catherine Cressey, a Class XII student from city, said if Neet was held as per schedule, state board students would find it very difficult. "We have just finished our board exams. This is a crucial period and we are not able to interact with the trainers," she said.

"We are not able to clarify doubts with teachers. Compared to pen and paper mode test, we could not take online test that serious as there was no time limit," said M S Cyrus, a state board student from Tambaram. He said they needed at least one and half months for.

While T Manmadhan, who attended government-sponsored coaching classes at Government Higher Secondary School in MGR Nagar, wanted Neet postponed to either June or July, Nisha Rajendran, who also attended coaching classes, said all the news about the corona virus crisis was disturbing and putting off the test would help students prepare with a relaxed mindset and improve their performance.

Some principals said if exams were held as scheduled, students of CBSE and other boards would be at an advantage as Neet is based on NCERT syllabus and they don't need special coaching. "Our students [those following state board]would start intense preparation only after board exams," said N Vijayan, senior principal, Zion Group of Schools.

Tamil Nadu: Stay home or 1 lakh could be in hospital

TNN | Mar 26, 2020, 04.07 AM IST

CHENNAI: We will have to pay a heavy price for violating the Covid curfew. A mathematical model has predicted that up to 60,000 people may land up in hospitals across Tamil Nadu when the disease peaks in May and that is the best case scenario, say officials in the state Covid-19 control room. In the worst case, the number may touch one lakh.

The numbers are approximate, based on the model prepared by the Centre For Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy (CDDEP) in association with the Johns Hopkins. “They have estimated the scenarios for Kerala, Karnataka, UP, Telangana and Delhi. We are using a rough calculation and taking a number between Telangana and Maharashtra,” said a senior health official.

On Wednesday, Telangana, which has a population of 39.64 million, recorded 39 cases, while Maharashtra, with a population of 126 million, had 107. TN, with 81.5 million people, had 18 covid-19 positive cases. The analysis showed that India might end up with 13 crore to 25 crore Covid-19 infections – symptomatic, asymptomatic and hospitalization -- and between 12 lakh and 25 lakh people may require hospitalisation. “We have asked them for an exclusive report for Tamil Nadu,” said health secretary Beela Rajesh. Other recommendations in the report will stay valid, officials said. The report says most infected cases will be mild. Infections will peak between April and May, when the most number of people will be hospitalised.

Government and private hospitals have been asked to increase bed strength, and district collectors and civic bodies to identify buildings that can be used for isolation and quarantine. Hospitals have been asked to drastically cut patient service and elective surgeries.

The CDDEP guidance report on COVID-19 in India is based on evidence from the India SIM Model – an agent-based model of the Indian population. Scientists fitted the model to available data from China and Italy under three scenarios –high, moderate and low infection.

National containment, it says, may no longer be an option for India, as community transmission of the virus most likely started in early March. “However, state or local (temporary) containment and mitigation is the best option,” it said. Tamil Nadu has found contacts of people who have travelled abroad being infected. Health minister C Vijayabaskar says they are doing their best to stop community transmission of the disease. Experts point out that social distancing can reduce this peak load by as much as 75% although this may be hard to enforce in India, the study points out.

Encouraging early testing, it says people should follow social distancing more seriously. Director of public health Dr K Kolandasamy said disinfecting surfaces and hand hygiene should be practised along with social distancing. “This will have more impact than lockdowns,” he said.

There is also hope that increase in temperature and humidity should help us in reducing case load, although the report warns there could be multiple peaks on the graph.

Chennai: Social distancing non-existent at corporation shelters as migrants queue up for food

TNN | Mar 26, 2020, 07.18 AM IST

CHENNAI: More than a hundred migrant workers housed at the community hall in Singanna Street, Chintadripet, had to queue up, near the entrance, for food on Wednesday. With nobody enforcing social distancing restrictions, the workers were all standing back to back with a steel plate in their hands waiting for their chance to get food from a big basket.

The food was being provided by a local NGO, and when asked why they couldn't provide them food in packets instead of making them stand in a queue, "We didn't have time to pack the food. But we usually give lunches in packets and breakfast and dinners in plates," said Nirmal Marlecha, one of the volunteers, who with his friends has been feeding the migrants for the last three days.

Thousands of these workers were moved to eight different community halls across the city from the Central station. However, since they moved, complaints have been rife about basic facilities like toilets, sanitation and most importantly lack of safety aid.

At the shelter, more than 100 workers have to cram to sleep and get food.

"The concept of distance doesn't exist," said a supervisor of one of the shelters. He added that the people were supposed to get food from Amma canteen, but several NGOs and volunteers have been coming in to provide food instead. "They have permission from the authorities. But there should be a protocol to follow while distributing food, it is not being followed," he said.

On Wednesday, G Prakash, the commissioner of the corporation, banned NGOs, volunteers and distribution agencies from supplying food to anyone in the city. He pointed out that these are sources of spreading the virus and those who continue to engage in these activities will be dealt with stricter as per the provisions of law.

A corporation official said said, "The food will be sourced either from the Amma Canteens or we shall appoint a separate cook for the shelter," the official said.

Inmates at private girls hostels in Chennai left in the lurch during shutdown

TNN | Mar 26, 2020, 07.41 AM IST

CHENNAI: At a time when the entire city is under lockdown, a few private hostels operating exclusively for women students are struggling to keep up and cutting down on facilities. This, in turn, has affected students, especially those who are from other states and are unable to return home.

Deepa*, an outstation student pursuing a professional course in the city, got stuck in the city, due to the lockdown. "I was doing my internship and the boss granted us leave only two days ago, the next thing I know that all the state borders are closed," she said. Deepa along with 20 other outstation students was residing at a paying guest accommodation and hostel at T Nagar, while most returned home, starting early last week, four were left behind. While the hostel allowed them to stay back, they weren't able to give them proper food.

"For the last two days, we were getting stale food, what was prepared during breakfast was given to us for dinner. When we questioned, they told us that they had limited stock and that we should find other places to stay," she said. While Deepa, went to a distant relative's home, her hostel mates are struggling to find a place to stay for the next 21 days.

However, Annapoorani, owner of the hostel said that all students had vacated last week itself. "They had all gone home on their own, nobody is left now. We don't know when we can re-admit them," said.

A few outstation students residing at the Swagatham ladies hostel had similar complaints. Though the hostel has let the women, from other states, stay back during this time, they said that they too have been receiving a lesser quantity of food. "There are 11 of us staying here and thought there is an in-house chef at the hostel, we can see that the quantity of food has reduced compared to before," said one of the residents of the hostel. "We have not drastically reduced the quantity, but have to control given the uncertainty. We do not want our girls to be hungry and hence have to take these small measures. But we have enough stock," said Lata, the hostel warden. "We all want this lockdown to end soon. We are away from home and we are worried," the student said.

Chennai: Politicos donate money to government fund to fight Covid-19

TNN | Mar 26, 2020, 08.48 AM IST

CHENNAI: DMK president M K Stalin on Wednesday asked all the party MPs and MLAs to use their constituency development funds to procure masks, sanitizers, thermal sensors, ventilators and protective gears for health department officials. However, strangely, Stalin said the MPs and MLAs must consult the party district secretaries to assess the requirement before allocating funds.

Former Union health minister and Rajya Sabha member Anbumani Ramadoss said he would allocate 3 crore from his MP's local area development fund to the state government to purchase medical equipment. He said the government was in need of huge funds to fight Covid-19.

TNCC president K S Alagiri said on Wednesday that each TN Congress MP would set aside 1 crore from the constituency development fund for creating medical facilities to fight Covid-19. They would coordinate with respective district collectors. Likewise, the seven Congress MLAs too would set aside a substantial amount from their constituency development fund for this, he said.

Stalin said it was disappointing that the government has announced only 1,000 financial aid to ration card holders, construction workers and auto drivers' families. The government failed in assessing the sufferings caused to people by Covid-19 lockdown, said Stalin. He urged the government to provide financial aid to migrant workers also. The government has said only registered small vendors would be given financial aid. There are many street vendors and flower sellers who have not registered themselves with government agencies. They should also be covered in the welfare aid, he said.

Noting that many drivers working for Ola and Uber have EMI commitments, Stalin called upon the Central government to put a three-month moratorium on all EMI payments to help the borrowers tide over the present crisis. Similar benefits should be extended to other borrowers like marginal, small and medium farmers and small shop owners. He also demanded a three-month moratorium on loan repayment for people who had borrowed from TIDCO and other state government financial institutions.

Stalin also questioned the sudden transfer of Dr G Chandrasekar from Stanley Medical College Hospital to Tuticorin Medical College and wanted an explanation from state health minister C Vijaya Baskar. He also demanded that all people in health and police departments and sanitary workers involved in fighting Covid-19 be given a special pay of 5,000.

Covid-19: Chennai Corporation tests Anna University drones to spray disinfectants

Mar 26, 2020, 01.19 PM IST

CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation on Thursday tested drones, provided by Anna University, for spraying disinfectants. The testing was done at Ripon Buildings, the headquarters of the civic body.

Corporation commissioner G Prakash said four drones would be used to spray disinfectants in areas like markets and crowded localities including slum tenements to prevent spread of Covid-19. Each drone can spray disinfectants in a 50,000-square-foot area.

The corporation is using 500 new disinfectant spraying machines in areas where people crowd.

Covid-19 lockdown in Tamil Nadu: No time restriction on restaurants, grocery shops

Mar 26, 2020, 07.01 PM IST

CHENNAI: Extending the prohibitory orders until April 14 in the state in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nation-wide lockdown, Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday made a slew of announcements, including allowing restaurants and grocery shops to function without any time restrictions during the day.

The announcements were made after the chief minister held a meeting with the district collectors through videoconferencing.

To avoid crowding in vegetable markets/sandies, the collectors were told to set up shops selling vegetables and fruits in vast vacant lands and playgrounds, and social distancing norms of 3ft distance should be maintained. “The norms should be strictly followed in grocery shops, pharmacies and vegetable shops,” an official press release quoting chief minister said.

The government has already extended permission to ecommerce ventures like Grofers, Amazon, Big Basket, Flipkart and Dunzo to supply essential commodities at the doorstep of customers. The permission has been extended to other companies, local grocery shops and cooperative stores. However, the ban on the supply of cooked food by the aggregators like Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats and others will continue.

“Private banks, small financial institutions and self-help groups should suspend daily/weekly/monthly collection of interest and capital until further orders. Legal action will be initiated against the violators,” the release said.

Medicines should be supplied for two months to pregnant women and people suffering from blood pressure, diabetes, tuberculosis and HIV-infected, who avail the services of government hospitals.

Helpdesks will be set up in Greater Chennai Corporation office and district collectorates to ensure uninterrupted movement of essential commodities. The district collectors and Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner will provide certificates for the commodity, while Tamil Nadu Medical Service Corporation, deans and joint directors of medical and rural health services and deputy directors of health services will certify the medical supplies.

“The personal assistants-general of district collectors, including Chennai, along with local police officials will offer identity cards to private vehicles engaged for essential commodities and for the public and private staff,” the release said.

The government has allowed the elders, sick and unable to cook, to continue to avail the services of small caterers. The companies concerned should have stickers of ‘essential service’ pasted on their vehicles and drivers should carry identity cards. Similarly, village administrative officers will provide identity cards to farmers, who produce vegetables, fruits and eggs.

The movement of farm labourers and machinery is allowed given that agricultural activities are exempted from the restrictions imposed by the government. Similarly, agricultural commodities can be transported to sandies and industries. Transportation-related activities of livestock, poultry, fish, eggs and fodder is allowed. If there are any difficulties, the control room of police headquarters could be reached at 044-28447701, 044-28447703

Senior citizens, sick, pregnant women and isolated families and those who wish to do dialysis can reach helpline 108 for emergency needs. 108 ambulance service will work in tandem.

In these challenging times, people should follow the principle, stay vigilant, maintain a distance and stay at home. “The state government supplied the list of names of 54,000 people arrived in from foreign countries and given instructions to quarantine them and actively monitor they don’t come out,” the release said.

Since people in contact with Covid-19 patients under isolation and the families are totally prohibited from going out, the district collectors will have to ensure supply of essential commodities with adequate protection. Fine will be imposed on people who venture out despite the orders, and criminal action will be taken. “These are measures taken on the goodwill that people should not be affected. People should know this and abide by the orders of the government without fail and protect themselves,” the release said.

Nine committees of senior bureaucrats have been set up by the government to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and resolve disruptions caused by the lockdown.

The district administrators should disinfect periodically with equipment of fire services in densely-populated slum clearance board tenements, religious places, sandies and large streets. Adequate awareness should be created through loud speakers, besides pamphlets about the infectious disease that could cause devastation to humanity.

District collectors will have to ensure that the relief announced by the government reaches the beneficiaries, and healthcare guidelines, including social distancing norms are followed during distribution. Depending on the situation in the respective districts, if required, the district collectors could arrange for door delivery of relief and essentials. “To prevent the spread of disease, distribution of essential commodities by getting fingerprints should be avoided completely now,” the release said.

Here is how Chennai’s college students are dealing with lockdown

TNN | Mar 27, 2020, 12.00 AM IST

As the world fights an uphill battle from their homes during this tumultuous time of the Coronavirus pandemic, daily routines have gone out the window. With the country currently under lockdown for the next 19 days, educational institutions, including colleges, have been shut indefinitely. While classes have moved online, calls for social distancing has upended college life and camaraderie. The students, however, who have a half-glass-full philosophy, march on. We caught up with a few, who gave us a rundown on their days.

Finishing things which I never had the time for

I’ve been home for over a week now and to be honest, I’ve lost my mind. But because I’m in my final year, and we have our final submissions going on, I’ve gotten time to sit down and finish my work properly. The quarantine has made me finish things I never had time for. I’m finally ticking off the movie and book list that I’ve been putting off for a while. Films like Contagion and Pandemic keep things relatable and real. My friends and I have started playing a lot of online games together, like Psych and Quiz Up. We video call each other every day through this app called House party, where we play games and even snack together. Since my dance classes and my cross fit spaces are shut, I am trying to work out at home a little bit.

— Varsha Sriram, final-year journalism student

Looking up ideas to beat boredom

I have never been this idle for the longest time. So, this lockdown period has been really hard. I have been looking up useful ideas to beat this boredom and ended up finding a couple of chores to keep myself busy. I began allocating a lot of time for music and art. Since I am not much of a reader, I binge watch shows including Grey’s Anatomy and Rizzoli and Isles. Apart from learning to paint on canvas, I’m also trying my hand at photography along with my brother.

— Sahana Swaminathan, CA student

It took a global pandemic to get us some time off

Apart from final-year assignments and submissions, I rely on Instagram and streaming platforms to keep myself busy. Shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Fleabag are keeping me hooked. I’ve also been trying to be more social these days. Whenever someone posts something about the quarantine period, and I reckon they have an interesting take on something, I make sure to hit them up and ask them about the same — something I usually don’t do. While this does come at a bad time given that submissions and exams are right around the corner (especially for final-year students), I think this does reflect a lot upon the education system. This is the first time in many months we’ve had a breather. Basically, it took a global pandemic to get us some time off.

— Yagna Saravanan, final-year media student

I am editing hundreds of photos that I have clicked

Since I am a photographer, I am using this time to edit and collate hundreds of photos that I have clicked. While it is a bit unfortunate that I cannot venture out and click pictures, something that is almost second nature to me, I am trying to look at the positives. Usually, when we look at YouTube videos to learn new things, we hardly pay attention, thanks to hundred distractions. But due to the lockdown, I have come to understand the value of my privilege. So, I am using this time to learn new techniques. My current read is Agni Siragugal. I would normally read around five pages a day. But now I am finishing more than 35 pages a day. This lockdown is really putting things into perspective.

— Sri Loganathan, second-year media student

I have picked up gardening to kill time

This lockdown has had no effect on my classes. It has just shifted from physical classrooms to online classrooms. That is the only difference. On the positive side, I am able to pay even more attention from the comfort of my house. As an architecture student, we have site sheets and plans to submit as part of our assignments. While it is quite tiresome to depict complex site plans digitally, we are slowly trying to get the hang of it. As far as my hobbies go, I have picked up gardening to kill time. I have also dug into Kalki’s five-volume series Ponniyin Selvan. That should keep me busy for quite some time.

— Girish Athreya, first-year architecture student

துணிந்து நிற்போம், தெளிந்து நிற்போம், இணைந்து நிற்போம்!

By - ஆசிரியா் | Published on : 25th March 2020 05:01 AM |

உலகம் மிகப் பெரிய அச்சுறுத்தலை எதிா்கொள்கிறது. பல நாடுகளில் மக்களின் அன்றாட வாழ்க்கை புரட்டிப் போடப்பட்டிருக்கிறது. கரோனா வைரஸ் என்கிற நோய்த்தொற்றால் உலகம் எதிா்கொள்ளும் இமாலய சவால், வரலாற்றில் நீண்ட காலத்துக்கு நினைவில் கொள்ளப்படும்.

இந்தியாவில் நாம் அனைவரும் ஏறத்தாழ ஒரு போா்க்கால சவாலை எதிா்கொள்கிறோம். இதுவொரு வித்தியாசமான போா். கரோனா வைரஸ் என்கிற கொடிய நோய்த்தொற்றுக்கு எதிரான போா்.

இந்த யுத்தத்தில் எதிரியை நாம் பாா்க்க முடியாது. கண்ணுக்குத் தெரியாத அந்த நுண்ணுயிரியின் படையெடுப்பால் பாதிக்கப்படப் போவது நம்மில் யாா் எவா் என்று தெரியாது. ஆனால், அந்த எதிரியை நாம் எதிா்கொண்டாக வேண்டும். அதிலிருந்து தப்பிவிட முடியாது.

அரசாங்கமும் சுகாதாரத் துறையின் ஆயிரக்கணக்கான பணியாளா்களும் கரோனா வைரஸுக்கு எதிராக உத்வேகத்துடனும், அா்ப்பணிப்பு உணா்வுடனும் போராடி வருகிறாா்கள். பொதுமக்களான நமக்கும் இந்தப் போராட்டத்தில் கூட்டுப் பொறுப்பு உள்ளது.

போா்ச்சூழல் உள்ளிட்ட நெருக்கடியான காலகட்டங்களைப் போலவே, இப்போதும் நம்மை மற்றொரு எதிரி பின்தொடா்கிறாா் - அந்த எதிரியின் பெயா் அச்சம். இந்த அச்சம், அறியாமையால் ஏற்படுகிறது. நமக்குப் போதுமான பகுப்பாய்வு இல்லாமையாலும், புரிதல் இன்மையாலும் ஏற்படும் அச்சமிது.

நமக்குப் பெரும்பாலான தகவல்கள் இப்போது சமூக ஊடகங்கள் மூலம் மிக அதிகமாக வழங்கப்படுகின்றன. ஆனால், அவை பெரும்பாலும் எதிா்மறையானதாகவும், வதந்திகள் - உண்மைக்கு மாறான தகவல்கள் அடங்கியதாகவும் உள்ளன. சமூக வலைதளங்களில் பதிவேற்றம் செய்யப்படும் பெரும்பாலான தகவல்கள் ஆதாரமற்றவை என்பது மட்டுமல்ல, முறையாகத் தகவல் திரட்டப்பட்டு, அவற்றின் உண்மை உறுதி செய்யப்பட்டு பதிவேற்றம் செய்யப்படுபவை அல்ல. இதை நமது வாசகா்கள் உணா்ந்து கொள்வது மட்டுமல்லாமல், பொதுமக்களுக்கும் எடுத்தியம்ப வேண்டும்.

செய்தித்தாள்கள் மூலம்கூட கரோனா வைரஸ் பரவும் என்கிற வதந்தி சமூகவலைதளங்களில் பரப்பப்படுகிறது. இதற்கு எந்தவித ஆதாரமும் இல்லை என்பது மட்டுமல்லாமல், முழுக்க முழுக்கத் தவறான உண்மைக்குப் புறம்பான தகவல் என்பதை உங்களுக்குத் தெரிவித்துக்கொள்ள விரும்புகிறேன். இதை சா்வதேச அளவில் அனைத்து மருத்துவ வல்லுநா்களும் மறுத்துள்ளனா்.

நமது நாட்டில் இப்போது வதந்திகள் பரவுவதைக் கட்டுப்படுத்துவது என்பது, கரோனா வைரஸ் பரவலைக் கட்டுப்படுத்துவதற்கு இணையான சவாலாக உள்ளது. இவை நமது மக்களிடையே எதிா்மறை கற்பிதங்களை ஏற்படுத்தி, தவறாக வழி நடத்துகின்றன. எந்தவித மருத்துவப் பின்னணியும் இல்லாதவா்களால் கரோனா வைரஸுக்குத் தவறான மருத்துவ முறைகள்முன்மொழியப்படுகின்றன. அதை பொதுமக்களும் உண்மை என்று நம்பி வதந்திக்குப் பலியாகிறாா்கள்.

இந்தச் சூழ்நிலையில் நாம் நம்பகத்தன்மை வாய்ந்த தகவல்களை மட்டுமே ஏற்றுக் கொள்ள வேண்டும். அதனால், மரபு சாா்ந்த அச்சு, காட்சி ஊடகங்களின் பங்கு முக்கியத்துவம் பெறுகிறது. நமது பாரம்பரிய அச்சு ஊடகம், எந்த ஒரு செய்தியாக இருந்தாலும் ஒன்றுக்குப் பலமுறை உறுதி செய்த பிறகுதான் பதிப்பிக்கிறது. அச்சு வாகனம் ஏறும் எந்த ஒரு செய்திக்கும் ஆசிரியா் பொறுப்பேற்கிறாா். அதனால், கரோனா வைரஸ் நோய்த்தொற்று குறித்த செய்திகளை அச்சு, காட்சி ஊடகங்களின் பதிவுகளின் மூலம் மட்டுமே பொதுமக்கள் உறுதி செய்துகொள்ள வேண்டும் என்பது எனது தாழ்மையான வேண்டுகோள்.

இப்போது பரவியுள்ள கொவைட்-19 வைரஸ் குறித்து நமக்குத் தெளிவான புரிதல்களை உருவாக்கியுள்ள மருத்துவத் துறையைப் பாராட்ட வேண்டும். ஏனெனில், மருத்துவத் துறையினா் மூலம்தான் அதைத் தடுப்பதற்கான வழிமுறை தொடங்கி, தடுப்பு மருந்து தயாரிப்பு வரை நடைபெறுகிறது.

இப்போது உலகமே பீதியால் சூழப்பட்டுள்ளது. சரியான தகவல்களை உரிய முறையில் கொண்டு சோ்க்காவிட்டால் பொதுமக்களிடையே அச்ச உணா்வு மேலும் அதிகரிக்கும். இது சமுதாயத்தில் பிரச்னைகளை உருவாக்கும். இந்த நேரத்தில் ஊடகங்கள் சரியான தகவல்களை அளிப்பதன் மூலம் சமூகப் பணியாற்றுகின்றன.

அத்தியாவசிய சேவைப் பட்டியலில் அச்சு - காட்சி ஊடகங்களை இந்திய அரசு இணைத்துள்ளது. எனவே, இந்த நேரத்தில் நாளிதழின் பதிப்பு முதல் விநியோகம் வரை அனைத்தும் சுமுகமாக நடைபெற வேண்டியது மிகவும் முக்கியம். மக்கள் மன்றத்தில் தெளிவை ஏற்படுத்தும் பணியில் கடந்த 86 ஆண்டுகளாக இடைவிடாது தனது கடமையை செய்துகொண்டிருக்கும் ‘தினமணி’ இப்போதும் உண்மைத் தன்மையுடனான செய்திகளை வழங்குவதை அா்ப்பணிப்புடன் தொடா்கிறது.

‘தினமணி’, அதன் குழும ஊடகங்கள் இந்த இக்கட்டான சூழ்நிலையில் மக்களுடன் துணை நிற்கும். இப்போது நம்மைச் சூழ்ந்துள்ள சிக்கல்கள் விரைவில் தீரும். துணிந்து நிற்போம், தெளிந்து நிற்போம், புரிதலுடன் இணைந்து நிற்போம்.