THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While sharing that no new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the state on Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the public should maintain high alert till the situation gets under control. He also added that a Malayali in Mahe has tested positive for the virus.

At present, 18011 people are under observation. Among them. 17744 people are remaining in home isolation while 268 are under observation in various hospitals. Meanwhile, 65 persons have been newly admitted to hospitals and 5372 have been newly kept under observation. 4353 people were removed from isolation after their test results showed negative.

"There is no need to panic. Proper facilities have been arranged to observe the conditions of all suspected coronavirus cases. Quality treatment will be ensured for all those who test positive for the virus. People should also note that it is important to follow the guidelines issued by the government," he added.

Pinarayi Vijayan added that the government would form an expert committee to advise it on the steps needed to be taken with regard to the pandemic.

The state government has also decided to start an "interactive web portal" for the public and also a "digital consultation" led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

As the pandemic has affected the state's economy, the government has taken steps to mitigate the issues faced by the people in this regard. "The impact of COVID-19 on the state's economy is huge. Those who have taken loans are finding it difficult to pay them back. We met with the State-level Bankers'' Committee (SLBC) and sought extension of the time to repay the loan. We have also sought for relaxation of the interest on the loans taken by the people," Vijayan said.

The state government also said that to help those who "work from home", it would ensure there are no power cuts.