Tamil Nadu said in a medical bulletin on Thursday that 1,259 fresh cases took the state's total to 26.83 lakh, while 20 people have succumbed to the virus, taking the toll to 35,853. In the latest 24-hour period, 1,438 people were discharged. A total of 1.37 lakh samples were tested, taking the cumulative number of samples tested so far to 4.90 crore. Chennai and Coimbatore districts recorded the highest number of infections adding 163 and 143 cases respectively, while the remaining cases were spread to other districts. Ten districts reported new cases below double digits, while 25 districts reported no fresh deaths.

The daily COVID-19 bulletin said that in 20 fatalities, two people were contagion without any pre-existing disease or comorbidities. Meanwhile, TN Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday announced that all places of worship can function on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as well and this will come into effect from November 1. Earlier, religious places in the state were open only from Monday to Thursday. But this was strongly opposed by the BJP, which staged a state-wide protest urging the DMK government to open all places of worship on all days.

Additionally, among several relaxations that will come into effect from November 1, all schools, including kindergarten schools and anganwadis, are allowed to function with fully immunized staff and cooks. Public learning centers may also function, the press note added. Now 100 people can attend weddings and related events, while 50 people are allowed to attend funerals. The press note said that private events and exhibitions would be allowed and all district administrations have been directed to hold public grievance meetings.

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