In a subtle message that it would be the call of DMK after May 2, when the election results would be out, to take forward Covid precautionary works, DMK chief Stalin hinted that a total lockdown will not be imposed in the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, Stalin said, “During the first wave of Covid, there was a total lockdown. But people and business have not come out of the blow rendered by that lockdown yet,” he said. “Let us work with the confidence that there will not be total lockdown after May 2,” he said.
The Centre and the state government should act on a war footing and address the shortage of oxygen, vaccines and medicines in the fight against Covid-19, Stalin said.
The Centre and the state government should act on a war footing and address the shortage of oxygen, vaccines and medicines in the fight against Covid-19, Stalin said.
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He said non–stop news of Covid vaccine shortage, price rise of the vaccine and shortage of medicines would give room to mistrust and aggravate the sense of fear among the public.
“Unnecessary panic would be more detrimental than the virus,’’ he said.
Realizing this, the Centre and state authorities should act on a war footing. “When we were the opposition party and when we are gearing up to form the government, DMK has acted responsibly,” he said, calling upon the cadres to carry out Covid relief work.
Stalin said though the government had announced that vaccine shots would be administered to those above 18 years from May 1, it was saddening to see news that even those who took first doses are complaining of vaccine unavailability for the second dose.
“Price hike by vaccine manufacturers has added to the burden of the states. This burden would ultimately affect the public. It is the responsibility of the governments to act in a manner that instils confidence among the public,’’ he said.
News of deaths due to Covid, including that of our party men, has been disturbing. “It is of utmost importance to protect the lives,” he said. Even as cadres carry out Covid awareness work and distribute ‘kabha sura kudineer’, masks and other essentials, they should protect themselves, Stalin said.
During the day, he gave away face masks, hand sanitisers and ‘kabha sura kudineer’ to the public in Kolathur and adjoining areas.
