Some districts, including Chennai and its neighbouring districts, the western region and parts of southern regions in Tamil Nadu, have low vaccine coverage across age groups. This is a cause for concern as unvaccinated persons are susceptible to COVID-19 infection and could spread it in the community, said Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan here on Friday.
In districts such as Chennai, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Tiruppur, Madurai, Mayiladuthurai and Theni, vaccination coverage was low among the over 18 age group.
After inspecting a vaccine depot, Mr. Radhakrishnan said a jump in cases had been noticed in the State and everyone who had been diagnosed had the Omicron variant. Whole genomic sequencing of the samples had shown that two new sub-variants, BA4 and BA5, were in circulation in the State, he said. “We have noticed BA4 in seven samples and BA5 in 11 samples. The numbers are rising since the case was identified in Navalur,” he said.
