Covid spread: New variant is more transmissible, says Health Minister, Govt urges districts to step up vigil

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With several countries witnessing a recent surge in Covid cases, the Kerala government has urged all districts to step up vigil. Minister Veena George directed all districts to strengthen preventive measures and monitoring. The directive was given in the State Rapid Response Team meeting chaired by the minister.

"All unvaccinated individuals should be vaccinated. People with symptoms should undergo covid tests. Genetic sequencing will be strengthened to monitor new variants," Veena George said.

"There are very few covid cases in the state. There have been only 1431 Covid cases in the month of December. There are very few patients under treatment in hospitals. The new variant is more transmissible. So everyone should remain alert. There is no need to worry, but everyone should be careful not to get infected with Covid. Everyone should wear a mask to cover their mouth and nose. Special care should be given to the elderly, those with co-morbidities and children. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water," the minister said.