Many parts of the state are under threat of delta virus, says health minister, next four weeks crucial

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has requested the people of the state to be vigilant for the next four weeks. The minister said that although the restrictions on shops and businesses were eased because of the need to protect both life and livelihood, have violated Covid norms in many places and created a situation of overcrowding.

An emergency meeting of the health department has been called tomorrow morning to assess the current status of the transmission of Covid in the state. Many parts of the state are under great threat from the highly transmissible delta virus. There is also a threat of a third wave. Everyone should be extra careful when opening institutions and offices after Onam, she said.

The minister said the health department had already started taking steps ahead of the third wave. Oxygen beds and ICUs have been set up in hospitals from taluk level onwards. The number of ventilators has also been increased. The minister said the ICUs in district general hospitals would be linked online with medical colleges.

Paediatric treatment systems have been increased as vaccinations have not been started and it has been found that children are more likely to be affected if a third wave happens. The government is arranging a total of 744 beds for children including 490 oxygen equipped paediatric beds, 158 HDU beds and 96 ICU beds.

The state has a total oxygen reserve of 870 metric tonne. Oxygen is stored at construction sites at 500 metric tonnes and KMSCL buffer stock at 80 metric tonnes. In addition, 290 metric tonnes of oxygen is stored in hospitals. 33 oxygen generation units are being set up. It will be able to produce an additional 77 metric tonnes of oxygen, he said.