Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is seeing a renewed uptick in Covid-19 cases, with 182 infections reported across the state so far in May. In light of this surge, Health Minister Veena George urged the public to be vigilant and maintain caution. “Covid cases are being reported in large numbers in South East Asian countries and there is a possibility of an increase in Covid in Kerala as well,” the Minister said, adding that “while the severity is not high, self-defence is important.”
Among the 182 new cases recorded in May in Kerala: Kottayam reported the highest number with 57 cases, Ernakulam followed with 34 cases and Thiruvananthapuram registered 30 cases. The rest of the cases were distributed across other districts. George also made known that a high-level meeting of the State Rapid Response Team (RRT) was convened under her leadership of George to review the evolving situation and plan further action.
She said that it was decided in the meeting that Covid-19 testing will be increased for symptomatic individuals; hospitals have been instructed to ensure availability of RTPCR kits and safety equipment and masks are now mandatory in hospitals, and health workers are required to wear them at all times. The minister also gave specific advice to the public: “Those with symptoms such as cold, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath must wear masks. It is advisable for the elderly, pregnant women and those with serious illnesses to wear masks in public places and while traveling.”
She added: “Unnecessary hospital visits should be avoided. It is better to wash hands with soap occasionally. Wherever you are treated, you should follow the protocol and ensure treatment in that hospital. The minister also clarified that it is not right to refer to some private hospitals when it is found that they are Covid-19.” While the current Covid variants have shown high transmissibility, Minister George reassured the public that “the severity is not high”. Still, she emphasised precaution, early testing, and mask usage as key steps to preventing a larger outbreak.
The RRT meeting also addressed the Nipah virus prevention efforts, concluding that the containment zone could be withdrawn as no further spread had been detected. Control room operations will continue as per protocol. With the monsoon season approaching, the Health Department also warned of a possible rise in dengue, leptospirosis, and other water-borne diseases.