More than 3,000 Covid cases reported in the state; over 1000 cases in Ernakulam, elderly and people with medical problems must remain vigilant, says Health Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More than 3,000 Covid cases have been reported in the state today. Out of 3419 confirmed cases, 1072 cases are in Ernakulam district and 604 cases in Thiruvananthapuram. Seven deaths have also been reported.

The number of cases has been increasing in Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Kozhikode and Thrissur districts during the past week. Health Minister Veena George has issued alert in all districts. The minister demanded that everyone must wear masks as Covid cases are increasing.

Health Minister Veena George has announced that a special program will be organized in the state for precautionary dose for six days starting from June 16 Thursday. The program is on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. There is no shortage of vaccines in any districts. The Minister also directed to give precautionary dose at home to palliative care patients, in-patients and those in old age homes above the age of 60 years. Health Minister gave these instructions at a high level meeting of the Health Department.

An Omicron variant is widely noticed in the state. Although the disease is less severe, it can spread rapidly. Covid guidelines must be strictly followed. Old age people and those related diseases must take extra care. Those having symptoms should do a Covid test. Do not skip the precaution dose assuming you have taken two doses of the vaccine. The precautionary dose will be given on panchayat basis, said the Minister.

The vast majority of those who becomes critically ill and die are those who have not been completely vaccinated and with related diseases. The precautionary dose must be taken by everyone. The minister said those who are yet to take the second dose of vaccine and the precautionary dose should get vaccinated immediately.