ERNAKULAM: Congress MP Hibi Eden on Tuesday alleged that the state government is hiding the actual number of COVID-19 cases in Chellanam region where community transmission is suspected. According to Eden, though 80 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in the region, the government has not included this in the list of COVID patients.

"We have been demanding to increase the number of tests in the region. However, the authorities are ignoring our demands. Experts say that the number of cases in the region will increase by increasing the number of tests. Strict action if must be taken if the officials are found hiding actual figures. Authorities are claiming that 34 people tested positive in the region. However, we have the evidence to prove that 80 persons are undergoing treatment for COVID in the region," Hibi Eden said.