Chennai, May 13 () Tamil Nadu Chief Minister KPalaniswami on Wednesday indicated that the ongoing lockdowncould be lifted "gradually" and sought people's cooperation torestore normalcy post-lockdown.
Listing his government's various steps to resume economicactivities, besides ensuring that the people did not sufferduring the lockdown, he also stressed people's cooperation wasimportant.
"People should extend total cooperation (to thegovernment).. following the kind of cooperation extended byyou, the lockdown can be withdrawn gradually," he said.
The chief minister made the remarks at a review meetingof district collectors and other officials chaired by him totake stock of the Covid-19 prevention activites at theSecretariat here.
Tamil Nadu is one of the worst affected states in thecountry vis-a-vis coronavirus, with the number of casesstanding in excess of 8,000.
His statement also comes a day after Prime MinisterNarendra Modi said there will be a fourth phase of thelockdown, which will be very different from the earlier threephases.
The third phase of the lockdown is scheduled to end onMay 17.
Palaniswami further said his government's efforts haveresulted in people having access to essential items, even asit was reaching out to various sections of the society likeguest workers, destitutes and the poor through distribution ofdry ration as well as providing food through Amma Canteens andcommunity kitchens.
Seeking to give a fillip to economic activities, thegovernment had set up a high-powered committee (under theChief Secretary) to attract businesses "moving out of certaincountries," he recalled.
Further, due to the coordinated efforts of various armsof the government, including the medical professionals, thepandemic was under control, he said, adding Tamil Nadu hadthe lowest death rate of 0.67 percent while its discharge ratestood at 27 percent.
Referring to the high spike in daily virus numbers inthe recent days, he attributed it to increased testing ofsamples.
Experts have said that the pandemic will "slightly goup" before going on a declining trend, Palaniswami said,adding there was no need for the people to panic.
The state had a total of 53 testing centres.
Even those undergoing treatment in hospitals will soonreturn home and the government was with them, he added.
As on Tuesday, Tamil Nadu has reported a total of8,718 coronavirus cases with 61 fatalities. SAROH ROH
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