NEW DELHI: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has urged Kerala to be more vigilant in defence activities of Covid-19. ICMR's stern directive comes after half of Covid cases reported in the country are from Kerala. Of the 13,088 cases reported in the country yesterday, 6475 were from Kerala. There are currently 1,41,511 patients under treatment in the country. Of these, 64,390 are from Kerala.

The central team had earlier assessed that the decrease in tests was the reason for the sharp rise in Covid transmission in Kerala. Following this, the central team directed the state to increase the number of tests and sought an explanation for the increase in test positivity.

The number of testing in Kerala was very low compared to other states. Despite the allegations, the state government explained that it was implementing the scientific method. The ICMR directed that more care should be taken in locating and monitoring contact patients.