THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala reported the first case of COVID-19 in the nation back in January. At one point, the state also had the highest number of patients in India. The state government launched 'Break The Chain' campaign amongst many others to make the people aware of how to curb the spread of the virus. The campaign included messages to wash hands using soap and water frequently, use of sanitizer and maintaining social distance in public. In the second phase of 'Break The Chain', the slogan was 'do not spit or you will fail' (thuppalle thottupokum).

Now, as the number of positive cases is on the rise through contact, the state announced the campaign has entered the third phase with the slogan 'vigil that's worth lives' (jeevante vilayulla jagratha). 60 per cent of coronavirus patients in the state don't show symptoms of the disease. In that case, the campaign gives an awareness message to the public that a person can develop the disease through contact with anyone. CM Pinarayi Vijayan told the media after the daily COVID review meeting.

Those with symptoms can be identified but as people without symptoms are testing positive for COVID-19, it can be understood that the disease can be spread from anyone. Anyone can contract the virus from markets, workplaces, vehicles, hospitals and other public places. Everyone should be careful to maintain at least 2 metres distance from others and ensure safety. Even when maintaining this distance, one should wear masks and sanitize hands. We can only bring down the mortality rate by maintaining vigil. Therefore, gatherings cannot be allowed in any case, the CM said.