COVID-19: Two Chennai institutes to participate in Oxford vaccine trial, funds allocated for fight against COVID

On August 27th, Chennai recorded 1,286 new COVID cases, 1,356 recoveries and 32 deaths. The total number of active cases stand at 13,457. 

Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Porur will be taking part in the trials of Covishield – a vaccine developed by Oxford University. Tamil Nadu Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has been appointed as principal investigator. A total of 300 persons will be recruited for the clinical trials. The vaccine trial is to be jointly carried out by the National Institute of Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The Commissioner of Revenue Administration has sanctioned Rs 60.10 crore to the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) for procuring PPEs, masks, thermal scanners, testing and other equipment necessary for the city’s continued fight against COVID-19. 

With the relaxation of restriction on inter-district travel, there has been an increase in the number of persons coming into Chennai. The number doubled from a daily total of 7,000 to 14,000 on relaxation of e-pass restrictions. As a result, the number of persons in quarantine has crossed 20 lakhs in the 15 zones of Chennai, with most of those recently quarantined being those who travelled into the city. Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner Prakash said the number is expected to touch 25 lakhs in a week.

Source: The Hindu 

Koyambedu market to be reopened in September

After inspecting the revamping work at Koyambedu and meeting the traders’ association, State Deputy Chief Minister O Paneerselvam announced the reopening of the foodgrain market on September 18th and of the wholesale vegetable market on September 28th. The other markets would be opened in phases over time.

To ensure the market does not become a COVID-19 hotspot yet again, a few norms for operation have been laid out.

• Goods will be unloaded only between 6 pm and 10 pm.
• Regulation of traffic and compulsory masking.
• Vehicles from retailers to be allowed from 6 am; vehicles to be allowed after sanitising. Two- and three-wheelers are banned in the market.
• Uniforms and identity card to be issued for all workers.

Source: The New Indian Express | The Times of India

Northeast monsoon to be severe in the coming years: Research

A study by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela and SRM Institute of Technology, Chennai, has found that the rainfall during the northeast monsoon could rise by 5% between 2020 and 2049 in Chennai. The research has further predicted that the rainfall could witness a rise of up to 21% between 2070 and 2099. It may be noted that the city gets 50% of annual rainfall from the northeast monsoon.

The study states that events like rainfall for five consecutive days and an increase in frequency and intensity of rainfall could also take place in the coming years.

Source: The Times of India

Thirumazhisai bus terminus work to be completed on priority

In a bid to decongest Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT), the Chennai Metropolitan Development Area (CMDA) has approved the construction of a third bus terminus at Thirumazhisai for west-bound buses on priority.

According to the department, Rs 308 crore has been allocated for the construction of the facility. The last date for submission of bids in sealed covers is September 21st. The tender is anticipated to be awarded before the end of 2020.

Source: The Times of India

Compiled by Bhavani Prabhakar