THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central team which was in Kerala to assess the COVID situation has suggested that the number of container zones should be increased and restrictions should be tightened in order to contain the spread of the virus. However, the state is of the view that it is no longer practicable to increase the number of containment zones and tighten restrictions after announcing relaxations in restrictions.

The team pointed out that it was the strong intervention by demarcating containment zones that helped the state initially to stop the spread of the virus. The team expressed concern over the increase in the test positivity rate and suggested that the number of tests should be increased.

The team, which visited Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts for four days and held discussions with collectors and health department officials, suggested that the activities of the containment zones should be tightened.

Before returning yesterday, the delegation met Minister KK Shailaja and Health Secretary Rajan Khobragade. Union Ministry of Health Representative Dr Ruchi Jain and Dr Raveendran were in the group.