In the midst of fears prevailing due to the detection of a new, more virulent variant of COVID-19 in the UK, the Tamil Nadu government on Monday insisted on the use of face masks, saying the mask had turned out to be an effective preventive mechanism against the contagion. CM K Palaniswami said the blood samples of 13 UK returnees who had tested positive for coronavirus upon their return to the state have been sent for analysis to NIV, Pune and that treatment can be initiated accordingly only if they test positive for the new strain. 

At a review meeting with district collectors and officials on the pandemic situation, CM said, ''Medical experts say the mutated coronavirus infection also spreads by not wearing a mask". The only way to prevent the spread of the virus now is for the people to compulsorily wear face masks, he informed. He expressed concern over some people who still took the pandemic lightly and refrained from wearing face masks, as the incidence of the disease is declining, the chief minister urged the public to strictly adhere to the government guidelines on precautions. 

''I have toured all over Tamil Nadu and held consultative meetings with the district heads and advised them to take more focused measures. Due to gradual relaxation of lockdown regulations, many places can be seen returning to normalcy,'' he said. He urged officials to remain extra vigilant during the New Year and Pongal festivities. TN government so far has spent Rs 7,544 crore on containing the infection, treatment and relief measures. Apart from providing potable drinking water, the affected areas are regularly disinfected and maintained clean.  

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