One of most worshipped deities in Tamil Nadu, especially in the rural parts of the state, is Goddess Mariamman. People offer their prayers with hopes for good health and immunity and likewise, a woman in Tamil Nadu now has been seen dressed as Goddess Mariamman and distributing masks while also spreading awareness about the coronavirus pandemic. She was seen on the streets giving out masks while draped in a yellow saree and covering herself up in a face mask with pictures going viral on social media.
Health workers stated that a short film titled 'Kaakkum Amman' or 'The Guardian Goddess' has also been made in an effort to promote awareness about COVID-19. Being the second worst-affected state in India, it is being reported that around 30 percent of the people in the coronavirus hotspots in Tamil Nadu's rural areas do not follow the guidelines informed by the government.
It is to be noted that policemen and social workers in the state on a few occasions since the nationwide lockdown was announced in March dressed up as gods and asked people to stay in their homes and urged them to adhere to the precautionary COVID-19 norms.
Tamil Nadu reported 4,231 new coronavirus cases on Thursday with 65 deaths linked to the disease. The total number of positive cases in the state stands at 1,26,581 among which includes 46,652 active cases and 1,765 deaths with 3,394 patients getting discharged taking the total number of recoveries to 78,161, as per data released by the state health department.
Lockdown restrictions in Tamil Nadu were eased starting July 6 with businesses resuming and shopping centres allowed to function once again. While malls can function with 50 percent staff and without air conditioning, it was informed that large showrooms can have only five customers at a time.
As of now, bus services remain suspended across the state till July 15 with people being instructed to apply for e-passes for inter-district travel. Restrictions are also in effect for small places of worship in villages of Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur where they have reopened.