THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the distribution of the COVID vaccine set to begin within ten days, the state has sped up preparations. Kerala is preparing to give priority to Covishield vaccine. The final decision rests with the Union Ministry of Health.

Five lakh vaccines may be available in the first phase. This is for health professionals. District level training for vaccine distribution has been completed.

While the state has reported six cases of the new strain of the virus, Health Minister KK Shailaja said that there is no cause of concern. " Though Kerala is on high alert, there is no cause for concern. Of the six infected, two are hospitalized and the rest were at home. Their complete contact list has been prepared," she said. 41 COVID patients have recently returned to Kerala from Britain. Further steps will be considered after receiving their test reports from the Virology Lab in Pune.