Government experts did not recommend closing schools, says TN health minister
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Amid rising cases of H1N1 and calls for closing schools, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said that the experts in the state did not recommend it. He added that there is no unexpected increase in fever-like cases.
PMK founder leader and medical doctor S. Ramadoss has publicly called for the state government to close down schools amid an increase in flu-like cases. Puducherry has recommended the same for classes from 1 to 8 till the end of September due to an increase in fever cases.
Ma Subramanian told the media that this is the season of fever and the state has adequate beds, doctors, and drugs. "We have vacant beds and bed occupancy is not high. We have children among the infected but there is no need to panic. Most of the infected children recover in three days."
On Monday, Tamil Nadu reported 368 active cases of H1N1 and 280 cases of admission in hospitals due to dengue fever. The health minister further clarified that not all H1N1 cases are admitted to hospitals and most patients are getting treated at their homes.
He added that people were using masks, keeping a safe distance, and practising regular sanitisation of hands during the past two years. This kept flu-like diseases in check. This year, infection is spreading because Covid-19 protocols are now relaxed. He recommended that people follow similar practices to escape contagious diseases.