Kerala reports spurt in cases after more than a month

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After maintaining a tight rein for oneand-a-half months, Kerala on Thursday reported a spurt in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases with 26 new infections, the highest since March-end. Out of the 26 new patients, seven returned from West Asia and eight from other Indian states, including Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

The state, which has built a track record for the highest recovery rate and lowest fatality rate, is concerned about a further increase in the number of Covid-19 cases after the return of expats from West Asia and an influx from other Indian states. Among Gulf returnees, 22 have tested positive so far and more flights and trains are expected. Of the 560 cases in Kerala, 64 are being treated; 492 have been discharged. Four deaths have taken place, making for a state fatality rate that’s less than 1%.