Test positivity rate not dropping below ten, restrictions may be tightened without further relaxations, Covid review meeting today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The transmission of the disease in Kerala is not significantly dropping even as the second wave of Covid in the country falls in other states. The test positivity rate was brought below 15 after closing the state for one-and-a half months. Some relaxations were given as soon as the TPR approached ten. A decision will be taken at the Covid review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today.

Soon after the state wide lockdown was lifted, the government adopted local government based restrictions. Based on the TPR, the local bodies were divided into four groups. Assessments were also made each week. However, the health department is of the view that strict control should be exercised in local bodies above TPR 15. A decision in this regard will be taken at today's meeting.

The TPR had dropped to 9.63 the other day. However, death rate is still high in the state. Concerns have been raised on the deaths rising above 100. The challenge for the government is to increase the interval between the two waves when experts confirm that a third wave is coming and this is possible only with strict restrictions.

With the start of public transport, the roads are once again congested. Traffic jams in urban areas are also a symptom of this.

Restrictions are likely to be tightened at today's review meeting. Health experts have warned that the TPR should reach five per cent as early as possible. Therefore, the health department is of the opinion that the measures should be tightened.