COVID-19 CASES SHOW NO SIGNS OF LET UP IN KERALA

With 72,891 total active cases, 6,000 plus cases reported during the last five consecutive days and a test positivity rate of 12.48 per cent, the Covid-19 situation in Kerala continues to be worrying.

The state is recording the highest number of daily cases in the country at the moment. Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts have reported more than 1,000 cases daily over the past few days.

If the situation continues in this manner, various affected districts might face shortage of ventilators and ICU beds. While schools (higher classes), colleges, cinema, theatres, bars have all started functioning, there is laxity in enforcing safety protocols.

The effective break-the-chain campaign that was witnessed in the state for many months, too has slackened now. Though a majority of people are wearing masks in public places, there is crowding in malls, shopping centres, social gatherings including marriages and parks which is a cause of concern.

But the government sources maintain that the situation is under control. Dr Mohammad Asheel who is part of the government’s high level Covid management team, said the current cases in the state were on the expected lines. Unlike many other states, Kerala had delayed the peak of Covid-19 pandemic, due to stringent restrictions and effective infection control measures. This is one of the reasons that the state is continuing to report a high number of cases.