THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state is in an alarming situation as more including those returning from Gulf countries showed symptoms of COVID-19. Four passengers who reached Nedumbassery from Bahrain and some who returned earlier showed symptoms of the virus. The number of COVID cases in Malabar sector including Wayanad have risen. It is a major cause of concern for Kerala after more cases have been reported. One from Palakkad and three from Kozhikode who reached from Bahrain early this morning showed symptoms of the virus. The rise in their body temperature led to the suspicion of the virus. Though they were subjected for a test in Bahrain, no symptoms were shown.

They showed symptoms of fever as soon as the flight landed at Nedumbassery. They were immediately shifted to Kalmassery Medical College Hospital in a 108 Ambulance from the runway. More tests will be conducted today. Four including a pregnant woman who showed physical discomfort have been shifted to the hospital. In addition to these, people who returned earlier suspected of the virus have been admitted at Manjeri, Kalamassery and Kozhikode Medical Colleges.

The challenge before the health workers is to avoid the possibility of community transmission as more Keralites are returning from the Gulf and from country's most severely affected states.

The current problem is that even though proper quarantine and home isolation are directed for those arriving in airports and crossing state boundaries, negligence from anyone’s side in following directions can lead to things going wrong. More than hundred students who reached the state from Karnataka skipping quarantine led to a major cause of concern in Kottayam, Ernakulam and Malappuram districts. There was also a need for police assistance to quarantine them. There will be a flow of Keralites when three flights from Damam and Singapore reach Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram and second ship from Maldives will reach Kochi and train from New Delhi arrive in the capital city.

The Department of Health will have to work diligently to ensure that the quarantine is compliant with each of them.