Chennai fights against COVID-19, gradually unlocks

The fight of the Greater Chennai Corporation against the COVID-19 pandemic

is picking up pace as the district moves towards the ‘new normal’.

By Anoushka Sawhney

From May to September 2021, the COVID-19 cases have fallen drastically from more than 7,500 cases to 190-200 cases on average in Chennai. “Not only has the number reduced, but the virulence of the virus has also reduced,” says Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).

The most important thing that worked for Chennai is the “strong centralized coordination system” through which the GCC had a grip on all aspects of the virus spread.

The system brought the results of the COVID-19 tests from the private hospitals under the ambit of the GCC, and the corporation put up a strong network to ensure that the patients don’t spread the virus to their family members by ensuring they isolate themselves, explains Bedi.

Even the patients who showed symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, whose test results were not out, were also put under isolation. Tele calling system for direct counselling was also started for the patients.

These measures restricted the movements of the patients, and we started seeing the results, said Bedi. However, with the festive season ahead and the reopening of schools for classes I to VIII on November 1, the danger of the third wave looms large over the district.

Bedi said, “We have this endeavour that people celebrate the festivals without crowding or flouting the norms of the social distancing.” He also adds that more than 95% of the school teachers have been vaccinated and that the GCC is also focusing on the vaccination of college students.

Social distancing within the school campuses and messages about masking and vaccination will be ensured to curb the spread of the virus.

Talking about the mega vaccination drive on October 10, Bedi says, “Previous vaccination drive had a record of vaccinating 2.25 lakh people in one day, and we hope to have a similar figure in the next vaccination camp also.”

Bedi adds that the situation is much better however, the district has to still take the required measures. “Through the support of the people and governmental efforts, we hope to ensure that COVID-19 will not resurface again.”

Cover image credit: The Indian Express