Covid-19: Kerala continues on high alert, no fresh cases

Thiruvananthapuram :For the second day in succession, no fresh case of coronavirus has been reported in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday night.

The total number of positive cases remains at 24.

Vijayan, however, said even though no fresh cases has been reported, one has to be extremely cautious to continue the good work that all have been doing to prevent the spread.

"Today there was a positive development when various religious leaders have also warmed up to the caution that in today's circumstances it's better that there should be no crowding at places of worship. So all such things have to be regulated and let the religious practice go forward, but there should be very little public participation," he told media persons here.

The Chief Minister also said that even though no fresh cases were registered, the total number of people under observation went up to 25,603, which includes 237 people in hospitals.

"Experts have all said that so far we have been able to do our best to contain the spread and this has to continue in this manner... if not, it will be dangerous. So all should continue to practice to see that we do nothing to create which will aggravate things. As of now we have the required medical professionals, but as a matter of caution, we have decided to seek the help of retired professionals to join us, if a need arises," said Vijayan.

Noting that even marriages are being postponed, he said that it has come to their notice that some marriage halls owners are not refunding the booking money. "This is not acceptable and if the event is postponed, the hall rent collected in advance has to be refunded," he said.

Vijayan also said that sanitizers should be compulsorily placed at cash counters in all shops and at ATMs.

The state government on Wednesday asked all medical professionals including doctors and others to immediately rejoin duty.

It has been decided to appoint more medical professionals on temporary basis, besides extended the timing of all state run medical centres till 6 p.m.

Following the request put up by the Kerala government to the State Level Bankers Committee, they decided to recommend for soaps to the general public which includes extending the moratorium on present loans, besides to extend a 'consumption loan' up to a maximum of Rs 25,000.

Capital city headquartered HLL Life Care Ltd, a mini-ratna public sector under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has started to deliver all the required medical requirements to stop the spread of Covid-19 to various medical institutions in the country.

Meawhile, with the government's directive there should be no crowding of people at any place, Youth Congress workers held protests in several districts as the Excise Department held its annual auction of toddy shops.

At a few districts, the police had to arrest the protesters, while at other places the police chased away them away.

In a related development, the Kerala Police arrested Mohan Vadiyar from Thrissur after the Health Department got complaints that he was giving "preventive treatment" for Covid-19, under the ayurveda protocol.