Kerala govt has dealt with COVID-19 in a systematic way, action will be taken against returnees who violate quarantine rules: Health Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister KK Shailaja has said that there is a delay in providing passes to those returning from other states as the state is complying with the priority list regarding the return of Keralites. While stating that the government is giving high priority for the return of pregnant women and other patients, the minister added that the state will give special consideration for elder citizens and students. She also pointed out that the authorities are facing a huge challenge as a large number of people are returning without passes and necessary precautions.

According to the minister, there is a possibility of virus transmission in Kerala unless those returning from other states go into quarantine. The government will interfere in the issue in which several Malayali nurses have complained about their pathetic conditions in various hospitals such as the Hinduja hospital in Mumbai, she added. She also said that several people who have recently returned from the Gulf countries might test positive for COVID-19 in the near future.

While stating that the state government has combatted the COVID-19 in a systematic and disciplined way, she added that the state should be on high alert as several expats from various countries are returning home. She also added that stern action will be taken against all those returnees who violate the quarantine rules.