182 Covid Cases Reported In Kerala In May: Public Urged To Stay Alert As New Variants Emerge
Kerala is witnessing a renewed rise in Covid-19 cases, with 182 infections reported across the state so far in May, prompting health authorities to reinforce preventive measures. Health Minister Veena George on Tuesday urged the public to remain vigilant and adopt safety precautions, especially in light of developments in South East Asia.
Addressing a press briefing, the Minister said that the situation in countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore, where the Omicron JN1 sub-variants LF.7 and NB.1.8 are driving a surge in infections, is a cause for concern. “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,” George said, adding that “while the severity is not high, self-defence is important.”
Among the new infections, Kottayam district reported the highest number with 57 cases, followed by Ernakulam with 34, and Thiruvananthapuram with 30. The remaining cases were spread across other districts in the state.
Government Steps Up Precautionary Measures
To assess the situation and plan the way forward, a high-level meeting of the State Rapid Response Team (RRT) was convened under the Minister’s leadership. The meeting resulted in several key decisions: testing will be ramped up for symptomatic individuals, RTPCR kits and safety equipment will be stocked in hospitals, and mask mandates have been reinstated in healthcare settings.
“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 stated.
She also issued a clear advisory 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.”
“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,” George added.
Outlook Remains Neutral But Caution Advised
Although the sub-variants are known for their high transmissibility, the Minister assured the public that the current strains are not causing severe illness. However, she emphasized the importance of precautionary measures, early testing, and mask-wearing to prevent a wider outbreak.
The RRT meeting also reviewed the state’s preparedness against other health threats. Notably, the containment zone related to the Nipah virus has been lifted, with no new cases reported. Control room operations will, however, continue in line with existing protocols.
With the onset of the monsoon season, the Health Department is also bracing for a likely increase in vector- and water-borne diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis. “Field-level monitoring and public health activities will be intensified, especially considering the chance of intermittent rain,” George said.
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