Kerala on Monday reported 1,494 Covid-19 cases while the test positivity rate (TPR) crossed 10 per cent for the third consecutive day, state health ministry statistics indicated.
The state has been recording over 1000 cases for almost a week now and the TPR has also been above ten per cent for the last three days. Health experts have asked the government to ramp up testing and increase awareness to avert another round of infections. On Monday, the TPR was 10.61%. Ernakulum district topped with 439 cases. Experts said the recently-concluded Thrikkakara by-election could possibly be one of the reasons for the high caseload in Ernakulum.
“A close look at statistics shows Covid-19 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 the infection was mild due to vaccines and only people with co-morbidities were seeking treatment in hospitals.
As schools have reopened, officials are worried 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 return to basics to avert another round of infections,” said Dr S S Lal, a public health expert.
India on Monday reported 4,518 new Covid-19 cases, 9 deaths and 25,782 active cases, according to the Union Health Ministry data. With nine deaths, the toll rose to 5,24,701 and the maximum cases and casualties are from Maharashtra and Kerala. Last week, the Union health ministry asked five states– Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana– to monitor the surge in fresh cases and take effective steps to contain it.
