Even as Tamil Nadu crossed 20,000 COVID-19 cases on Friday, CM Edappadi K Palaniswami is apparently all praise with the spike to the high testing rate in the State. On Friday Tamil Nadu recorded 874 fresh cases soaring the tally to 20,246. Nine deaths on Friday took the toll to 154.

Out of 874, Chennai alone accounting for 618 cases, continues to add the most to the State’s kitty. Chennai at present stands at 13,362. Meanwhile, Chengalpattu recorded 61 new cases taking the region’s number to 1,000. Maharashtra continuing to contribute to almost every State owing to the migrant movement, among fresh cases, 141 are people were from outside which include 135 from the business capital of India.

Among the nine deaths, five succumbed to death at  Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Three of them had been transferred from private hospitals, and they died within 48 hours of referral or testing positive. Four others died at private hospitals.

Meanwhile, 31 prisoners in Puzhal prison and 19 from other prisons within the State tested positive for the virus infection on Friday.

A total of 765 people were discharged on the day.

Meanwhile, speaking at a gathering with the district collectors through video conferencing at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister was quoted as saying, "The only medicine available for preventing the coronavirus infection is people's cooperation. Everyone should understand the importance of the rules given by the govt ." Since there's no drug available for this infection, people should behave with self-discipline as per the guidance of health experts, he added.

The CM further said people should approach the hospital immediately if they sense any symptoms. Giving an in-depth account of the steps taken from January 22 to face the pandemic, Palaniswami recalled the minute fractions of funds allocated from time to time for purchasing medical equipment and other materials. He also gave details about the amounts sanctioned for the free-of-charge supply of essential commodities, the committees formed for taking care of the COVID-related works, the appointment of a huge number of medical professionals to affect things, the steps taken to revive the economic process of the State.

Stating that the infection is spreading mostly through the people coming from other States, the CM asked district collectors to prompt a vigil on those that arrive from outside and subject them to screening.

EPS said the restrictions in districts should be relaxed only after getting the consent of the Chief Secretary.