1.2 lakh people under lens in Kerala

Govt to raise army of volunteers comprising 2.36 lakh youth

Ninteen cases of Covid–19 were confirmed in Kerala on Thursday taking the total number of patients currently under treatment for the infection in the state to 126.

Of the 19 cases, nine were reported from Kannur, three each from Kasargod and Malappuram, two from Thrissur and one each from Idukki and Wayand.

The total number of people infected in Kerala so far is 138 of which 12 have been completely cured and discharged.

As on Thursday, 1.20 lakh people are under surveillance of which 1.01 lakh are under home quarantine and 601 in hospitals,

136 persons were admitted to hospitals on Thursday,

5,302 samples were sent for testing, 3,768 were found negative.

After the high level review meeting, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said there is still no indication of community spread in Kerala. However, the situation continues to remain grave and all precautionary measures are needed to check the spread of the infection further.

The government decided to raise an army of youth volunteers in the state in the age group of 22-40 for providing assistance to the people during Covid –

19 crisis.

The volunteer army will comprise 2.36 lakh volunteers drawn from 941 panchayats, 87 municipalities, six corporations. The registration will be done online on the web portal of volunteer army which has been crated.

Volunteers will be engaged in providing food, provisions to households where people are not in a position to procure themselves or cook by own. The volunteers who will be given identity cards, will also provide help in hospitals and health care centres. Their travel and other expenses will be borne by respective local bodies.

The Chief Minister on Thursday held audio conference with wholesale traders and asked them to stock up provisions and food materials for three to four months. They have been asked to ensure there is no overcharging and reasonable price should be taken from the consumers.

A high-level committee will be constituted to ensure uninterrupted supply from outside the state. Vehicles will be sent in a convoy to the neighbouring states to procure the essential commodities.

Vijayan said instances of migrant workers being asked to vacate their rented premise have come from some parts of the state. He warned against such actions.

The Chief Minister directed collectors to ensure on priority proper accommodation, food and health facilities for migrant workers wherever they are staying. While enforcing the lockdown, the police has been directed to maintain restraint while dealing with workers in the essential service sector including health.

The government has decided to approach 1640 doctors who retired from service since 2012 to enlist their services in this hour of crisis.

The administration has also created a list of people above the age of 60 years in all districts to ensure proper medical and social care for this segment.

About 14,000 pain and palliative care workers are being deployed effectively in the state.