Chennai, May 10 (IANS): Three Covid-19 patients died and 669 persons tested positive for coronavirus in Tamil Nadu over the past 24 hours, the state Health Department said on Sunday.

The government also allowed several shops to start operating from Monday.

In a statement issued here, the Health Department said three persons died due to Covid-19 taking the total death toll to 47 while the total number of new infections for coronavirus was 669 taking the total tally to 7,204.

Meanwhile, 135A Covid-19 patients were cured and were discharged from various hospitals taking the total number to 1,959.

A total of 13,367 samples were tested over the past 24 hours taking the total number of samples tested to over 2.43 lakh. Testing of 676 samples are under process.

Chennai continued to see highest number of infections - at 509 - followed by Thiruvannamalai (47) and Chengalpattu (43).

The number of infected children in the age group 0-12 went up to 364.

The total number of active cases in Tamil Nadu stands at 5,195.

However, Principal Secretary/Commissioner, Revenue Administration, Disaster Management and Mitigation, and Special Nodal Officer for Greater Chennai Corporation for Covid-19 matters, J. Radhakrishnan said that for some more days, the infection rate here will be high but it is not a cause for concern.

Meanwhile Chief Minister K.Palaniswami is expected to hold a meeting with District Collectors to decide on extension or lifting of the lockdown.

On Sunday, the government announced relaxations for various shops and establishments located in non-containment zones barring barber shops, beauty salons and spas.

The government allowed small jewellery and textile shops to open without air conditioners. The government also allowed opening of mechanic shops, home appliances, furniture shops, courier and parcel services, lorry booking, laundry, photocopying, mixie/grinder repair shops and others.