Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister Veena George has urged everyone to take extreme caution since the active Covid cases in the state have crossed the 22,000-mark.
Kerala overcame the second wave of the pandemic successfully and the total number of cases dipped to 1,824 on December 26. But after the Christmas and New Year celebrations, there was a quantum jump in the number of cases reported, the minister said.
The total cases went above the 5,000-mark on January 7. On January 12, it crossed the 12,000-mark and on January 17, it crossed 22,000. It went up four times higher in just 10 days' time. Now, everyone should take utmost care to see that there should not be any further jump in the COVID-19 figures, Veena said.
Veena said that the situation was such that the pandemic could spread from anyone. Self-protection is the best defence. Those who visit public places should either wear N95 masks or double masks.
She said that compared to last week, there was an increase of 60.161 new Covid cases this week. The growth rate of new Covid cases rose by 160 percent.
The increase in the number of those undergoing treatment rose by 160 percent, those under hospitalization by 41%, those admitted to field hospitals by 90%, those in the ICU by 20%, those under ventilator by 6% and those admitted to oxygen beds by 30%.
The condition of the aged people and those who have other ailments may become serious in case of a Covid attack. She pointed out that If there is a substantial increase in the number of Covid patients, there will be corresponding increase in the number of patients to be admitted to hospitals, the number of serious cases reported and the number of deaths reported. This will put unnecessary pressure on the hospital facilities in the State. So, everyone should be very careful to avoid the occurrence of such a situation.
The public functions should be organised in full conformity with the laid down protocols. Minimum people should attend such functions. Those who have fever and other diseases should not visit public places by concealing their existing disease.
According to Veena George, those who have Covid symptoms should undergo tests as per the directive of the health workers. Everyone should wear masks properly in offices and various establishments.
Care should also be taken to avoid taking food in the company of others. It is also important to avoid crowding before wash basins. Windows and doors should be kept open since the chances of Covid attack are high in closed areas. Those who visit shops and malls should not change the position of their masks. Everyone should follow Covid guidelines strictly, the health minister added.
