Ten more journalists test positive for COVID-19 in Chennai

A day after 25 journalists from a TV channel in Chennai were found to be infected by the coronavirus, another 10 media persons from tested positive for COVID-19 in the city on Wednesday (April 22). All the 10 new cases are employees of two TV channels, The Federal has learnt.

Due to an initiative of the Chennai Press Club, a special testing drive is being held at the Omandurar Medical College and Hospital on the Anna Salai, since April 20. On the first day alone, 265 journalists underwent a test and many were diagnosed with the disease.

“We have approached various government hospitals in the city to facilitate tests for journalists,” said Bharathi Tamilan, joint secretary of the Chennai Press Club.

Related news: Over 50 journalists test positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai

It has also demanded the state government not to hold press conferences any more. Even after the news reports of journalists getting infected by the virus emerged, ministers are continuing to hold physical press conferences, where social distancing is not maintained, a statement from the press club said.

“So, we have urged the government and ministers to avoid holding press conferences. Instead, they can have a virtual press briefing, said Tamilan. Totally, al least 37 journalists have been infected by the virus in Chennai.

As many as 33 new cases were reported in Tamil Nadu on April 22. The total number of confirmed cases stands at 1,629. Meanwhile, the state government has announced ₹50 lakh compensation to the kin of frontline staff who die of COVID-19. Besides, a government job would be granted to a member of the deceased staff’s family.