Health standards to be enforced at events to curb disease spread
Chennai: The state health department, amid an increase in Covid-19 and other infectious diseases, has instructed district health officials to intensify supervision and enforcement of public health standards at large public gatherings, including religious congregations, social and cultural events, recreational programs, and political meetings.
District magistrates and health officers can issue orders prohibiting assembling of people or restricting movement to contain the spread of disease, exercising powers under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, a circular from Dr T S Selvavinayagam of Directorate of Public Health (DPH) said. "It is imperative to enforce public health standards to prevent disease outbreaks, ensure sanitation and public safety," he said.
While the primary responsibility for ensuring essential services — water supply, sanitation, and waste disposal — rests with event organisers, local authorities are empowered to supervise, inspect, and enforce public health measures to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place.
If local authorities fail, health officials must verify that organisers provide adequate sanitation, including toilets, safe drinking water, and proper waste disposal. All food stalls and temporary eateries require inspection and licensing. The public must have access to potable water, with sources subject to testing and chlorination monitoring. Vector control and solid waste management plans are mandatory, with real-time collection and adequate staffing for sanitation teams.
Health officers must supervise all arrangements. They also have the authority to issue immediate orders for deficiencies. Non-compliance will be penalised under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939.
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