Thiruvananthapuram: Along with spiralling cases, Kerala is witnessing an alarming rise in COVID-19 deaths over the past few days.
As per official data, 608 people have succumbed to the virus so far this month. While a mere eight deaths were reported on January 16, the number shot up to 49 on January 19 and 70 on January 22.
According to health experts, the high prevalence of lifestyle diseases and diabetes among the state’s population was the main cause of the rising mortality.
Making matters worse, the number of critically ill patients are also increasing along with the positive cases.
The number of COVID-19 patients needing oxygen support went up by 91 per cent over the last one week. Similarly, the occupancy of ICU beds increased by 57 per cent and the number of COVID-19 patients on ventilator support saw a rise of 23 per cent during the same period.
Considering the circumstances, health experts have advised people who tested positive for COVID-19 and under observation at home to seek immediate treatment if they have comorbidities.
Meanwhile, the state Health Department has decided to rope in private hospitals to ensure more treatment facilities for COVID-19 patients.