THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala government has clarified that people who visit the state for 7 days or shorter need not undergo mandatory quarantine. Such people can stay either at home or at a hotel. It was Health Minister Veena George who said this during a press meet on Tuesday.

"People visiting the state for a week or shorter need not undergo mandatory quarantine. They must strictly follow Covid guidelines and return within 7 days. If such people test positive for Covid, they must inform the health centre and seek treatment," the minister said.

The minister said that the rate of spread of Covid was declining in the state. The minister said the state witnessed a 45 per cent spread in the first week of January which went high up to 215 per cent in the third week of the month.

“However, the rate of the spread came down to 71 per cent in the fourth week of January and again decreased to 16 per cent in the last week,” she said. The minister added that about 57% of ICU beds and 84 per cent of the ventilators in the state are vacant.

• Patients arriving at the hospital should undergo Covid test only if they have symptoms.
• Covid tests can be done if it is necessary for follow-up treatment of other diseases.
• Special space should be set up to treat people with Covid symptoms.
• Only one entry point for OP and emergency departments.
• If a patient admitted to speciality tests positive for Covid, a ward should be set up right there
• Beds should be set aside in each ward to treat Covid patients.
• The PPE kit should be used only for the treatment of extremely serious cases. Always wear a mask, face shield and gown
• Strict action if treatment is denied despite having necessary facilities.