Doctors demand strict measures to control virus spread
TRIVANDRUM: Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMO) have suggested a more focussed approach against the spread of COVID-19.
The doctors urged the authorities to impose strict crowd-control measures, augmented testing to identify the virus carriers and isolate them to limit the spread.
“Micro containment and curfew should be imposed for the next two weeks which is very crucial,” the IMA’S state unit president Dr PT Zacharias told reporters here.
“Break the chain campaign (launched by the health authorities to isolate the carriers) should be strictly implemented as it could spread from one person to 10 or 15 others.”
The southern state has stopped spot registration for inoculation as people started crowding at vaccination centres in large numbers following the surge in infections.
The test positivity rate (TPR) was rising alarmingly ater the state elections on April 6 and almost every 20 people tested now turn positive for the virus.
On Wednesday Kerala reported a single-day record of 22,414 cases from 121,763 samples tested. Now there are over 135,000 patients under treatment.
“The rise in the number of patients has already started straining the health infrastructure,” he said, asking the authorities to ramp up tests.
“It’s of prime importance to ensure that all medical professionals should stay safe by following all the protocols as it’s crucial to patient care.”
He said there was a breach of protocols during the elections and it was one reason why there has been a surge.
He also wanted “absolute control” on May 2 when the votes are counted and the results out which could trigger massive demonstrations.
“In the light of this, the government has to strictly ensure that no celebrations or victory parades are conducted in the state,” he said.
“If not things will get out of hand. Moreover, these are times of festivals and that also should be restrained,” he said.
The IMA demanded that a curfew-like condition should be imposed in the state ahead of counting day so that people and political party activists do not violate protocols.
The KGMOA, on the other hand, wants resources streamlined to make testing more effective instead of conducting massive tests.
In a leter to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, it cautioned if there’s going to be a delay in getting the test results, this mass testing exercise could turn counterproductive.