THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of transmission of COVID-19 on the rise, Kerala is on high alert and comes under tougher curbs. The decision was based on the assessment that the easing of restrictions led to an increase in the number of patients.

COVID protocol must be strictly adhered to when organizing public programmes. Social distancing and mask are mandatory. Restrictions will be tightened in containment zones. Covid tests daily will be increased to a lakh. All symptomatic primary contacts will be subject to RTPCR testing.

The situation in the state is alarming, the health experts said. They warn that the number of patients could double in 13 days and the number of patients could rise to 7,400 per day. Test positivity crossed 10% in nine districts. More than 20,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease in Ernakulam this month alone.