Kerala's COVID transmission rate surpasses that of nation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the state authorities intensifying measures to combat COVID-19 spread, Kerala has been witnessing a steady increase in COVID transmission rate. At present, the COVID transmission rate of the state is higher than that of the nation. It must be noted that the state has witnessed a steep rise in COVID cases over the past week. During this period, the state's test positivity rate stood at 9.1 when the country recorded a test positivity rate of 8.7. At present, Kerala occupies the 7th spot when it comes to COVID transmission in India.

The steep increase in the number of COVID cases in the last 90 days is alarming. During the first week of June, Kerala recorded a test positivity rate of 1.6 when India's test positivity rate stood at 7.4. By mid-July, the situation changed and the state recorded a test positivity rate of 4.8 when that of the country stood at 11. In August, Kerala's positivity rate increased to 5.4 while that of the nation decreased to 8.8.

Meanwhile, health experts point out that the COVID transmission rate in the state is low compared to that of other states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Those states with test positivity rate higher than that of Kerala are:

Maharashtra- 24.2

Karnataka- 13.3

Madhya Pradesh- 11.9

Andhra Pradesh- 11.9

Punjab- 9.9

Haryana- 9.4