Covid cases sharply increasing in three districts in Kerala; Centre issues warning, no need to worry, says Health Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has been reporting more than 1000 new daily Covid cases for the last four days. The Union Ministry of Health has issued a warning to states where the number of Covid patients is increasing. Apart from Kerala, the Union Ministry issued warnings to Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana.

Covid cases are on the rise in 11 districts of Kerala. Of these, cases are sharply increasing in Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam. Health Minister Veena George said special attention should be paid to these districts. "People with symptoms should undergo tests. However, there is no need to worry," the minister said.

"It is important to live with COVID. Everyone must wear masks. Measures should be taken to protect elderly people and bed-ridden patients. All those who have to take the second dose of COVID vaccine and precautionary dose should take it. Health workers must take the precautionary dose," George said.
She further said that with the decrease in cases of COVID-19, many people were reluctant to take the second dose and the precautionary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"It would be dangerous. It is estimated that COVID deaths are higher among those who have not been vaccinated and those who have comorbidities. If people with comorbidities have Covid symptoms, they should seek immediate treatment," George said.

Discussing the status of COVID-19 vaccination, the Health Minister said that about 100 per cent of people over the age of 18 have taken their first dose of the vaccine, but only 88 per cent have taken the second dose. While only 22 per cent took the precautionary dose.

The first dose was given to 83 per cent of children aged 15 to 17 years and the second dose to 55 per cent of children. The first dose was given to 54 per cent of children aged 12 to 14 years and the second dose to 15 per cent of children.