Statistics show that Kerala has not been successful to satisfied level in effectively controlling the spread of Covid. This is a reality that will gives worries to the Kerala government and health workers. Apart from Kerala, Maharashtra is the only state in the country where the spread of the disease is rampant.

The fact that about half of the daily cases of the disease in the country are in Kerala is a very alarming indication. There is no need to wrack our brains to find out why enviable gains we made in the Covid control in the early stages could notnot be sustained now. The reason for the present fiasco is the lack of care and vigilance shown by the government and people in contrast to the ones shown in the early days to prevent the spread of the disease. When the restrictions were lifted one by one, people took it as an opportunity to fully return to the old way. This was visible everywhere. The current situation is that those who are not accustomed to self-regulation need to be forced to abide by the Code of Conduct. The only way out is to do seek legal means of what is not possible with advice.

The number of Covid tests was over eighty-four thousand on Thursday. This is the first time so many people have been tested in a single day. 6102 people tested positive on Saturday. The number of Covid patients in the state was generally above five thousand even on the days when the examination was less. About 70,000 people are currently undergoing treatment in various districts. More than two lakh people are under observation.

A team of experts from the Center is currently touring various districts to directly study the problems faced by Kerala against the backdrop of pandemic. This is the second central team visiting Kerala in a month. The visit of the central team comes against the backdrop of reports that 70 per cent of the daily Covid cases are in Kerala.

Concerns are naturally being raised as to whether the forthcoming assembly elections will increase the Covid cases again. Health experts are apprehensive about the trips, public campaigns and other campaigns launched by various parties in the run-up to the elections. What we see today is result of the Covid situation that had spun out of control during the last local body election.
The people themselves need to take more care of their own health as the verve and vigour of the Assembly elections intensifies. The police also need to be proactive to ensure that Covid protocols are strictly adhered to. All actions that violate the rules should be prohibited.

No public event may be permitted that may pose a threat to public health. Police surveillance should always be ensured in shopping malls, markets and public places. It's festive season now and the above mentioned are the places where the code of conduct must be followed. The festival committee should be benevolent enough to do away with celebrations this year as well.

It is time to remember the sacrifices and obedience exhibited by the people in the early days of Covid. Everyone who goes out for various purposes should be aware that the overall health care of the family is in their hands. Political leaders who have to show the right path to the people also have a special responsibility to obey the Covid protocol.

It is true that every crowd rejoice them an provokes them. But do not forget the fact that such crowds are going to be the main link in the spread of the disease. At this stage we need to pay special attention to the health workers, including the doctors who are working selflessly. With each passing day, the number of patients is increasing. Among them, medical college doctors are gearing up for an indefinite strike over pay. There should be immediate steps from the part of the government to discuss and resolve their issue. The government must show the accumen to ensure that the doctors don’t take to the streets during this Covid times.