32,819 new Covid cases today, active cases increase by 255% in two weeks

Thiruvananthapuram: 32,819 new Covid cases were confirmed in Kerala today from 1,41,199 tests, the highest spike in positive cases on any single day. 32 deaths were also reported while there are 2,47,181 patients under treatment for the disease in the State.

Briefing the media, Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan said, “The numbers of Covid infected people and the rate of the disease spread continues unabated. There is the presence of the genetically mutant virus (double mutant variant) on a large scale. There has been a 255% increase in the active cases in Kerala in the last two weeks. The situation across the state is grim.”

The CM also informed that the review meeting held today decided to strictly enforce all restrictions announced earlier. Screening will be augmented at railway stations, airports and in places where there is a large number of guest workers. Oxygen requirements will be proactively addressed and steps have been taken to significantly increase the number of oxygen beds. All major hospitals and CFLTCs would ensure oxygen beds. The beds in ESI hospitals will be converted into oxygen beds.

“We still have a limitation on the number of healthcare workers. The Covid Brigade has 13,625 personnel, including doctors and nurses, but this is inadequate in the present situation. More people should come forward willing to be part of the Covid Brigade. As announced earlier, crowds will be regulated at vaccination centres”, he added.

The information about the presence of genetically modified viruses in the State is being taken seriously. The risk assessment study conducted on the three genetically modified viruses found in Kerala evaluated the spread of the disease, the risk of death and the ability to make the vaccine ineffective. Accordingly, they have been found to accelerate the spread of the disease. Another issue is whether mutated viruses increase mortality? “If the number of patients increases more than what our health system can handle, the situation will turn awful. We need to strictly follow the disease preventive measures to avoid such a situation”, the CM said.

The issues related to the online registration for vaccination can be resolved only if enough vaccine stocks are available. The government is taking necessary steps to address the vaccine shortage.

The Chief Minister reiterated that we need to exercise extreme caution if we have to avoid a total lockdown in the State. “Our policy is to ensure the livelihood of the people while saving lives.”

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