This was expected, relaxations are not meant for celebration: Minister VS Sunilkumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister VS Sunilkumar on Saturday said that the recent surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state was very much expected. According to the minister, the government had been expecting an increase in COVID-19 cases ever since it decided to reopen inter-state borders and ferry back Keralites from various parts of the country. This was why the state had been insisting Non-Residing Keralites to register in the Jagratha portal, he added.

"At present, we know the source of infection of all COVID-19 patients in the state. However, if people returning from other states try to hide their details, it can lead to serious issues such as community transmission. So we must be cautious and alert. People must realise that the current lockdown relaxations are not meant for celebration. They must follow the government's instructions. People under quarantine should stay in their homes. The government is demanding this after taking public health into consideration," the minister said.