Panneerselvam calls for closure of Tasmac shops as COVID-19 cases rise in Tamil Nadu

He condemns the DMK for not taking steps to close the State-run liquor shops

AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam on Sunday insisted that the DMK government closes the State-run liquor shops, also known as the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (Tasmac) shops, until the COVID-19 spread comes under control. Since about 8% of the people whose samples were were tested are positive now, Mr. Panneerselvam said the shops should be closed, at least until the test positivity rate falls below 5%.

Though several restrictions were imposed in the State, including night curfew and a complete lockdown on January 9, the State Government had not mentioned anything about the liquor shops run by the Tasmac, he said in a statement.

“Within three days, those tested positive for COVID-19 have more than doubled. The State Government, allowing these shops to function is the reason behind such an increase in numbers,” Mr. Panneerselvam contended.