KOCHI: In the wake of transmission of COVID-19, more caution is needed in Kochi, said Minister V S Sunil Kumar. The situation will worsen if there is transmission of the disease in the metro city. Action will be taken against those hiding the symptoms of the disease and at present there is no community transmission in Ernakulam district, he said.

The transmission in Ernakulam market is just a warning. It will be ensured that everyone adheres to COVID protocol. The police will take strict action against those violating directions. Those having symptoms should approach the health activists at the earliest and covering this will make things worse, he said.

The condition of one undergoing treatment for the disease in the district is very serious. The 51-yer-old from Kuwait has developed pneumonia and is in the ICU. The native of Thuruthy is a chronic diabetic and this worsened his health condition. He came from Kuwait on June 19.

Eight contracted the disease through contact in the district yesterday. Of the 12 confirmed of the virus, eight contracted it through contact. In the meanwhile, the swab samples of 26 people have been collected after an employee of the market tested positive. 190 people are undergoing treatment in the hospitals of the district.