Chennai, June 7 (IANS): With coronavirus on the rise in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Sunday said that its spread of the disease cannot be controlled without people's cooperation.

On Sunday, the number of new coronavirus infections were 1,515 and the total tally rose to 31,667. The Health Department also said 18 Covid-19 patients died, taking the death toll to 269.

In a statement issued here, Palaniswami urged the people not to venture out of their homes unnecessarily and when they do go out, they should wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

Pointing out that the spread of coronavirus has not only affected normal life but also the economy, he said the government has to protect both the people's livelihood and economy.

He requested people to wash their hands with soap at regular intervals, while at home and in office.

If the government and people work together, then Tamil Nadu will come out of the coronavirus impact and march forward in all sectors, he said.

Palaniswami also listed out various actions taken by his government in preventing the virus spread, providing relief to poorer sections of the society, reviving the economy, attracting newer investments and others.

He said till June 4, about 5.50 lakh samples were tested which showed that 86 per cent of the people did not show any symptoms of virus infection.

Palaniswami said there are 292 hospitals in the state (123 government and 169 private) designated as Covid Hospitals treating coronavirus infected persons.

Meanwhile, the state Health Department said 604 Covid-19 patients were discharged from various hospitals, taking the total number of cured persons to 16,999 out of the total infected number of 31,667.

The number of active cases including in the isolation centres is at 14,396.

Chennai saw the highest number of infections at 1,155 taking the total tally to 22,149.