Kerala records 1,801 Covid-19 cases; health minister advises caution

Thiruvananthapuram: After Kerala registered 1,801 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, the state health minister Veena George advised caution. She had chaired a high-level meeting on the matter on the day and said that hospitals in the state would conduct mock drills as per the Union government's directive, IANS reported.

The minister said, "Districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kottayam are reporting more cases. Likewise, admission to hospitals of Covid patients is slowly increasing, but the saving grace is that only 0.8 per cent of them require oxygen beds, while 1.2 per cent are admitted to the intensive care unit."

"Directions have gone to all districts that in the wake of an increase in positive cases to beef up their Covid facilities according to 'Surge Plan'. A separate meeting of private healthcare providers will soon be called. All those who work in old age homes and care homes should wear N-95 masks," she said.

She further advised that extreme care should be given to those who have senior citizens at home.

"Senior citizens suffering from lifestyle diseases should ensure that at all times, especially when they go out, wear masks. Pregnant women should also wear masks. Also, those who have to go out should ensure that they wear masks, and once they are back home, ensure that all Covid protocols are followed by using soap and sanitisers appropriately," said George.