This institute in Tamil Nadu's Kancheepuram district has reported a COVID cluster

At the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) in Sriperambudur, Kancheepuram district, as many as 29 people tested positive for COVID-19.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, June 8, Health Minister Ma Subramanian informed that 245 samples were taken on Tuesday, June 7, and 29 of them tested positive. The test positivity rate at the institute is over 10% now, raising concern over increasing daily COVID cases in the State in recent days.

As per officials, 18 people had tested positive at the institute already. It may be noted that there are several students from other states in the institute.

The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and Shri Sathya Sai Medical College have no active cases anymore. The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in Kelambakkam and Anna University had reported 196 and 23 cases respectively, but now, they are on the decline, the health minister said.

Though cases on campuses are under control now, new clusters are being reported from residential areas. As many as 17 districts have active cases now. The State, which had as few as 22 cases recently, now reports around 150 new cases daily, he added.

The State will conduct mega vaccination camps on June 12 at one lakh sites. The minister added that the public must make use of this opportunity and get vaccinated.

He also requested private hospitals to give booster doses to eligible people only for the price fixed by the Union government. Action will be taken against hospitals if they are found to be overcharging.

Those in the age group of 18 to 59 years, who have completed nine months after taking the second dose, can get their booster dose at private hospitals. People aged above 60 years can get it at government hospitals.