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Kerala reports 1,494 Covid infections
Kerala on Monday reported 1,494 Covid-19 cases with test positivity rate (TPR) crossing 10 per cent on third consecutive day, state health department statistics showed
Kerala on Monday reported 1,494 Covid-19 cases with test positivity rate (TPR) crossing 10 per cent on third consecutive day, state health department statistics showed.
The state has been recording over 1,000 cases for almost a week.
Health experts have asked the government to ramp up tests and increase awareness to avert another round of pandemic. On Monday, TPR was 10.61%. Ernakulam district topped with 439 cases. Health experts said the recently-concluded Thrikkakara by-election is one of the reasons for high caseload in Ernakulam.
“A close look at statistics shows cases are increasing steadily. Though active cases crossed 8,000 hospitalisation is very low this time in the state,” said Krishna Prasad, who has been processing data since the pandemic began two years ago. Health officials said in many cases, infection was mild due to vaccine and only people with co-morbidities seek treatment in hospital.
Health minister Veena George said there was no need of any concern as the government was monitoring the situation.
There were reports on Sunday that she was also tested positive. But in a Facebook post, the minister said she had two RTPCR tests and both were negative. She said she had temperature and doctors suspected it to be viral fever and advised her to take rest.
As schools opened, officials fear there can be a spurt in cases. Health authorities have asked students and schools to maintain Covid-19 protocols. “We have to increase tests and isolate the infected fast to contain the spread. Vigil is weak these days. We have to go to basics to avert another round” said Dr SS Lal, a public health expert.
