The Tamil Nadu government has assured the public that there is no need for panic despite the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in Singapore. The new wave, attributed to a “milder infection,” is under control, and Tamil Nadu is well-prepared to handle any situation, according to a top health official.
Dr. T. S. Selvavinayagam, Director of the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPHPM), emphasized that Singapore has not seen significant hospital admissions following the outbreak. “In the last few weeks, it is being reported that there are Covid cases in South Asian countries like Singapore. As far as we [Tamil Nadu] are concerned, there is no need for any apprehension. The Singapore variant, KP.2, is a sub-variant of Omicron and has been reported in some parts of India,” he stated.
Official data reveals that 290 cases of the KP.2 variant and 34 cases of the KP.1 variant, both sub-lineages responsible for the increase in cases in Singapore, have been identified in India. In a video released by the DPHPM, Dr. Selvavinayagam reassured the public that these variants have only caused mild infections so far, with no severe cases reported.
“We have almost totally vaccinated the 18-plus population in Tamil Nadu. So even if there is an infection, it will be a milder form and would not require hospitalization,” Dr. Selvavinayagam noted. The health official highlighted that necessary precautions, such as wearing masks in public places, remain essential, particularly for the elderly, those with co-morbidities, and pregnant women.
“Otherwise, there is no need for panic,” he reiterated. “Covid, like other flu, has now become a common respiratory infection. There is a possibility of even one or two waves per year, but there is no need for panic. We have sufficient immunity, and Tamil Nadu has the requisite infrastructure to face any situation.”
Dr. Selvavinayagam’s message is clear: while vigilance is necessary, the public should remain calm. The state’s extensive vaccination campaign and robust healthcare infrastructure position it well to manage potential outbreaks. The emphasis on vaccination and adherence to basic preventive measures underscores the importance of community cooperation in mitigating the impact of new Covid variants.
In summary, the Tamil Nadu government remains confident in its ability to handle any Covid-related developments, urging the public to maintain preventive measures but to avoid unnecessary fear. The reassurance comes at a crucial time when public anxiety might be heightened due to reports from neighboring regions. The government’s proactive communication aims to foster a sense of preparedness and calm among the residents of Tamil Nadu.
