No decision taken on extending lockdown; should be alert even if cases fall, says health minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: We should be on high alert even if Covid cases drop, said Health Minister Veena George. How effective the lockdown was would be known only after May. A decision has not been taken on whether to continue the lockdown in June, said the minister.

A final decision on whether to continue the lockdown will be based on the number of patients per day and the test positivity rate. A decision will be taken by an expert committee headed by the chief minister. Immune system should be strengthened against other diseases like dengue and leptospirosis (rat fever), she said.