COVID-19: Cases Continue to Spike in Tamil Nadu, Government Opens Liquor Outlets Amid Public Outcry

Tamil Nadu witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases over the last week, with the novel coronavirus affecting a total of 5,409 people in the state till May 7. The week between from May 1 to May 7 saw an addition of 3,086 cases out of the total with Chennai accounting for 1,738 cases. Seven members of staff of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) and three contract workers also tested positive this week.

Unmindful of the steep increase in the number of cases, the state government opened liquor outlets from May 7 in all districts except Chennai and in containment zones. There are fears that the liquor outlets may soon join the Koyambedu market as major sources of infection. 

The administration of the Greater Chennai Corporation is gearing up to treat more people by roping in private schools and marriage halls. In an unexpected move, Chennai’s hospitals moved stable COVID-19 patients from hospitals to quarantine facilities for want of beds.

Steep hike in Chennai cases continues

Chennai, the state capital, saw an exponential increase in the number of cases during the week. While the number of cases during the one week period from April 24 to April 30 was 505, the week beginning from May 1 accounted for 1,738 cases. The number of cases of COVID-19 have increased by more than three times over the past week.  

The city witnessed 324 and 316 cases respectively on May 6 and May 7, the two biggest spikes so far. The death toll in the state stood at 35 and 1,527 persons have been discharged after recovering completely.

The daily bulletin of the health department has cited the Koyambedu market as the major source of infection. The virus has infected people from diverse backgrounds, most of whom have visited the Koyambedu market. The market was closed down only this week, after the number of cases increased in Chennai and a few other districts. 

The threat of community spread is being continuously rejected by the state government, but the data says otherwise. The testing being carried out in the state, particularly in Chennai, has increased over the last two weeks. 

Long queues at liquor shops

Liquor shops across the state were witness to long queues as shops run by Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) were opened after 43 days. The state made elaborate arrangements to regulate the rush and ensure physical distancing, but the restrictions went out of the window pretty soon. Policemen, home guards and ex-service men were deployed at all outlets to maintain discipline. The opening of shops was aimed at accumulating tax revenues at a time when the pandemic is spreading fast. 

The move to open liquor shops drew flak from opposition parties. The parties, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam held black-flag protests in party offices and at the houses of leaders and cadre members. 

The All India Democratic Women's Association condemned the move and published details of domestic violence on the day that liquor shops were opened. The Democratic Youth Federation of India protested the move by sending emails to the Chief Minister's Cell. 

Migrant workers protest across the state

While the government found time for meticulous planning for the liquor shops, the issue of migrants was relegated. The week saw widespread protests by the migrant workers, who demanded transport facilities for returning home. The state has a huge migrant population, primarily in the textile and construction industries. Unfortunately, the state has minimal information about the migrant population. 

The government announced free dry rations to the migrants, but the move has been extended to only a limited number of workers so far. They are surviving on relief work by trade unions and political parties since their employers deserted them as soon as the lockdown began. 

The migrant workers held protests in Tirupur, Koyambedu, Tambaram, Pallavaram, Ambattur and Coimbatore. The workers of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tirunelveli also protested, demanding wages and facilities to return home. While the migrant workers from Kerala and Telangana were provided train facilities, the workers in Tamil Nadu are yet to receive any information about their return. 

Priorities questioned

Despite plenty of problems requiring their attention, the government's priority seemed to be on revenue generation through liquor sales. The share of Goods and Sales Tax from the Union Government has been pending for months and the state government has been accused of not pushing hard enough to get its share.  

The announcement for the distribution of rice and other rations through the public distribution shops for the month of June has begun, with several complaints on the reduction in allocation for families. The distribution of relief measures to daily wage workers and unorganised workers leaves for much to be desired.