In the wake of growing COVID-19 cases in the city, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) decided to convert the government and private schools in the city to quarantine facilities.
Considering that 98 percent of the 906 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been asymptomatic cases, hence, the GCC is not taking any chances. The civic body has created isolation and quarantine facilities in Anna University, IIT Madras and Chennai Trade Centre and now the addition of schools will enhance the quarantine capacity of the corporation. GCC had directed the school authorities to hand over the schools to the corporation by May 2.
G Prakash, Municipal Commissioner, GCC, earlier in the day said that the front line staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be replaced. As quoted by a national daily, the Commissioner said, “We have devised a mechanism to replace front line staff if they test positive for COVID-19. City survey is an important exercise relating to COVID-19 containment. Many such staff members are getting exposed to COVID-19.”
On waste management awareness, GCC has urged the residents and conservancy workers to ensure the safe disposal of masks. The corporation has procured 33.8 lakh masks and 4.27 lakh gloves as a preventive gear for the frontline staff.
The commissioner further said that the waste management of materials is a challenge in the city and therefore, the front line staff have been asked not to throw the used masks and gloves in bins across the city as GCC has made arrangements for such waste.
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However, elaborating on the other measures taken by the corporation in times of crisis, Prakash said that the recent price rise would be discussed with the Labour Department to take action against those demanding more price for commodities. The commissioner also urged the people to report if any shopkeeper charges higher prices. The price of some of the commodities in the city has also reduced because of less demand, he added. Further, the corporation has permitted 4,900 pushcarts for selling vegetables and 1,182 mini trucks for essential commodities.