“Poll rallies, events could be the next cause of clusters”

Chennai::

Officials added that special briefing was given to ensure security protocols are followed during election campaigns, events and other gatherings.

With the emergence of 209 family clusters in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Villupuram and other districts, more than 480 cases of COVID-19 have been reported nationwide. These clusters are believed to be the main reason for the sudden surge in recent days.

Officials are also warned that election campaigns and public events could be the next potential challenge if security measures were not followed by the public and organizers.

“Meetings during private events and other programs are a concern for the department. The organizers of public events, including those in open spaces or hotels, should get permission for rallies and other gatherings as they can later pose a problem by causing super-spreading events and COVID clusters, “said Health Minister J Radhakrishnan.

The district’s assistant directors of health were also instructed to review the public events and activities that the organizers should now seek permission for.

“The events that are organized indoors are permitted for a certain number of spectators. However, they are breaking the rules and more people are being admitted to the meetings. Instructions were therefore given to keep the events and rallies under control, ”said Dr. TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.