A second serosurvey was recently conducted in Chennai to detect the transmission of Covid-19 in the city and the results have indicated that nearly one-third of Chennai's population has been exposed to the virus.

Based on a statement by authorities, the results of the survey have shown an overall positivity rate of 32.3 percent. "Results of Chennai Serosurvey-II: Serosurvey samples tested- 6,389 out of which 2,062 are positive for IgG antibodies presence with overall positivity of 32.3 per cent," the Greater Chennai Corporation reportedly mentioned in a statement. The numbers of the first serosurvey, conducted between mid-July and early-August were much less in comparison, as it was then reported that one-fifth of Chennai's population was exposed to Covid-19.

The study was conducted by the National Institute of Epidemiology of the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Greater Chennai Corporation and the results were determined based on the analysis of blood samples from 12,405 individuals from all zones of the city. "The data gives details on whether a person is immune to the virus. Immunity is also one important indicator in controlling the pandemic. It is a natural firewall," the Greater Chennai corporation commissioner said.

"This is an on-ground surveillance and gives a view of how the situation on the ground is like. From July end to date, we have been able to maintain stability in the cases and there hasn't been an explosion. The spread will happen but the methodology is to reduce the speed of transmission. The state has done the highest number of testing in the country, and, in the world, we are one of the few cities that have tested 20 percent of its population under RTPCR tests. This means, one in five persons in the state has been tested," he reportedly further added.

As on Friday, more than 7 lakh cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Tamil Nadu, of which Chennai alone has recorded 1,93,299 cases. 10,825 people in TN succumbed to the illness. On Thursday, the state registered 3077 new cases of the virus and 833 fresh cases were reported in Chennai.