Chennai: Amid rise in Covid-19 cases in various parts of Tamilnadu healthcare experts blame the ongoing election campaign where rules are not followed. “You take any election campaign rules are hardly followed. No one is wearing masks. And no party is exception to this” said a government doctor who fears increase in cases in the days to come. Ranganathan a social activist said “the government should immediately restrict election campaigns and ensure that Covid protocols are followed. Otherwise we will have to pay a huge price.” Meanwhile Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo held discussions with the officials who successfully conducted Bihar elections in November 2020 to deliberate on conducting Tamilnadu elections amid the pandemic. The Election Commission of India (ECI) also deputed two officials to supervise and guide the State to conduct elections in a safe manner. Sudhir Kumar and Rohini who are officers in the government of Bihar will oversee the election arrangements in Tamilnadu. The two officers have been posted to the state since they are experienced in conducting Bihar elections when the State was reporting over 10000 daily cases of Covid-19. Increased political activity in March is one of the factors behind the rise in fresh coronavirus infections in the State according to Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan. Making a joint appeal along with doctors Radhakrishnan urged all political parties to ensure that their cadre wore masks during all political meetings. All kinds of meetings whether weddings religious or political would be permitted only if masking is ensured. He also urged the public not to trust rumours about another lockdown. “The main reason (behind increase in cases) is complete negligence in following Standard Operating Procedures like wearing masks in public places. It started especially in February with gatherings like weddings birthday parties and funerals. But now it is compounded with political gatherings. All parties should make sure that only 50 per cent of people are at a public gathering and they wear a mask. Corona attacks people without protection. With recent outbreaks in banks or like in a school at Thanjavur we will be tracking 30 to 40 contacts” he added.

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