In the last 24 hours, 74,344 samples have been tested. (Representational)
Tamil Nadu Chennai Coronavirus News Live Updates: A total of 5,995 fresh Covid-19 cases were reported on Friday in Tamil Nadu, including the 32 returnees from other countries and states, taking the the overall tally to 3,67,430 cases.
As many as 101 deaths were reported, taking the toll to 6,340. The total number of recovered people reached 3,07,677 including today’s tally of 5,764. There are 53, 413 active cases in the state.
Chennai saw a surge in the number of positive cases on Friday. With a total of 1,282 cases, the city’s overall cases reached 1,22,757. Of the 101 fatalities, 23 persons died in Chennai.
In the last 24 hours, 74,344 samples have been tested. This took the total number of samples tested in the state to 40,62,943. There are 139 testing facilities in the state.
Till date, a total of 6,42,972 have entered Tamil Nadu through various modes of travel and 6,068 of them have tested positive.
This year, due to the pandemic, artisans aren’t able to create more idols, and haven’t found any takers for their already produced works.
With the state government prohibiting the celebration of Ganesh Chathurthi in public places this year, idol makers in Tamil Nadu, whose businesses relied on the festival, are staring at a bleak future. Citing the increase in number of coronavirus cases, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisami did not grant permission for installation of idols in public places or their immersion in water bodies.
In a statement on Thursday, the state government reiterated its stand on the Vinayagar Chathurthi celebrations, further requesting people to cooperate and celebrate the festival in their homes.
READ | Restrictions amid Covid, Chennai’s idol makers stare at losses this Ganesh Chathurthi
Though the decision by the state government seems widely accepted by the general public, idol makers are looking at huge losses. The craftsman, who depend on these festivals for their livelihood say that close to 70 per cent of their products are lying unsold because of travel restrictions which were imposed by the government and due to the ban on the installation of idols in public places.
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A fresh sign of discord is showing among AIADMK ministers over the demand for a second capital for Tamil Nadu to ensure administrative efficiency. Political observers believe the state government has taken a leaf out of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, which has approved a three-capital plan.
On Wednesday, state Tourism Minister Vellamandi N Natarajan, who represents the Tiruchirappalli East constituency, said the city should be made the second capital as it was the dream of former Chief Minister and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran.
READ | AIADMK ministers seek second state capital in Tamil Nadu
Natarajan’s plea came a couple of days after Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar, who is in charge of Madurai West district for the AIADMK, urged Palaniswami to make Madurai, referred to as the temple city of Tamil Nadu, the second capital. His views were echoed by Minister for Co-operation Sellur Raju.
Tamil Nadu Chennai Coronavirus August 19, 20 Highlights
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/tamil-nadu-coronavirus-news-live-updates-chennai-covid-19-lockdown-tamil-nadu-cases-6563738/
