CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said that the state Health Department was prepared to handle Covid-19 amid rise in disease in the country, and was following all the guidelines set by the Central government.

Addressing media persons in Chennai, the health minister said that Tamil Nadu has adequate oxygen facilities, beds, and medicines to handle any surge in cases. With the experience gained during the second wave of Covid-19, several precautionary measures have been taken, he added.

He said, Omicron mutant infections are on the rise, and the infection rate in the nation is rising. Although XBB and BA2 are Omicron variations that are spreading over the world, he noted that they are low effect variants and that people shouldn't become alarmed.

He said that, after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's direction, all medical personnel were wearing masks after checking the Mettupalayam government hospital in Coimbatore on Saturday.

The minister stated that a special ward with 20 beds has been established at Mettupalayam and that 1,000 beds have been built up in the Coimbatore ESI hospital.

Tamil Nadu's airports randomly check 2% of all overseas travellers in accordance with Central Government directives, he said. In the previous 15 days, at least two or three cases of infection were discovered in international airports including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchi.

Ma Subramanian said, eight to ten travellers from Dubai and Singapore had the disease when they were tested, and all of those who had it were told to stay at home and take their medication as the physicians had advised.

WHO recommends Covid boosters for old and vulnerable groups.

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