Former Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has extended his commendation and appreciation to the MK Stalin administration for its measures deployed to tackle the horrendous second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ADMK leader has lauded the party's rival and current government during taking part in a meeting that was held in the District Collectorate in Theni on Thursday.

The meeting had discussed the COVID-19 containment measures in the district. According to reports, the meeting was chaired by Tamil Nadu Co-operative Minister Periyasamy and participated by former Deputy Chief Minister Panneerselvam, and the elected legislators of the district. While addressing the meeting, Panneerselvam, who is also an MLA from Bodinayakkanur, said, "The COVID-19 outbreak had begun in the state last March and it was announced as a National Disaster."

He stated, "The spread was at low before three months but the virus spread has emerged at a rampant pace. The current government has taken the spread as a challenge and has been initiating constructive measures. I'm obligated to appreciate the current government for its measures. This (pandemic) is a national emergency and no one should toss up their responsibility by thinking that the government is only responsible to contain the spread." 

"Everyone has to unite in the fight and follow the guidelines to beat the pandemic. The people have to give full co-operation to the government and the awareness has to be created at a large-scale. We all have a responsibility to save lives. The impact of the second wave was heavily seen in the rural areas than in urban", the former Deputy Minister added. 

He further said, "Several trucks are travelling from Theni to neighbouring states and the drivers and cleaners travelling on the trucks must be tested before their influx to the district. Around 5000 people are in the need of going to Kerala every day for agriculture-related works and they should also be tested properly. The government must ensure that the people living in the containment zones would get the essential products and the government has to take the COVID-19 relief efforts as a movement to the people." 

"Black, White, and Yellow Fungus diseases are affecting people and the government has to deploy adequate awareness campaigns to the people about the symptoms and preventions of these diseases. We will stand with the state government in all its efforts towards curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic", Panneerselvam added. The note of appreciation from the ADMK leader has come at a high time when Chief Minister MK Stalin is building a political bonhomie in the state.

On Thursday, Tamil Nadu has reported 33,361 fresh COVID-19 cases, 30,063 discharges, and 474 deaths, one of the highest single-day death counts recorded by the state. Overall, Tamil Nadu has recorded 19,78,621 cases so far as of Thursday of which 3,13,048 are active, 16,43,284 have been discharged, and 22,289 had succumbed to the viral infection.