Kerala rose to the occasion to fight the Coronavirus when the first case in the country was reported in the state in January 2020.
The state was able to keep the death rate low due to scientific infection control and prevention methods. The efficiency of Kerala’s infection control measures and collective functioning were lauded globally.
With the arrival of Omicron variant of the virus, the state is now facing the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first two phases Kerala had to go for complete lockdown. However, the current situation does not warrant the enforcement of such strict measures yet.
Currently, the authorities concerned have decided to implement covid control measures on a zonal basis. The state has been divided into category one, two and three for effectively enforcing the covid control measures.
As total lockdown adversely affects the normal life and livelihood of the people, Kerala has decided to go for scientific infection control measures. Full cooperation of people is needed to ensure the success of such measures.
All eligible people above 18 years have been administered the first dose of vaccine and 83 percent have been given the second dose. This has enabled the state to face the third wave with self- confidence.
As many as 2,91,271 (33 percent) have been given the booster dose.
In the age group of 15-17 years 66 percent (10,07,879) have been administered vaccines so far. A total of five crore doses have been given across all categories of people.
Many people have been cured of COVID-19 after contracting it.
With this majority of the population have acquired mixed immunity which will help in reducing severe illness and deaths.
The number of people who require hospitalisation due to COVID-19 is very less this time compared to previous periods. According to the January 20 statistics, of the 1,99,000 active cases, 96.9 percent people are under quarantine in homes.
The number of people reaching hospitals is just 2.7 percent. According to studies, the death rate is higher among those who have not taken the vaccine. Also Omicron infection has not become severe among those who are vaccinated.
Hence those who have not taken the vaccine yet, should immediately come forward and get vaccinated .
Though the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) has crossed the 40 percent mark, there is no need for panic. During the first two phases, the increase in TPR after examining people who had no symptoms had created apprehensions. Now only those who have symptoms are being tested. Hence the TPR does not have the previous relevance.
Under the present circumstances those who are contracting COVID-19 can remain under quarantine in their homes. Only those with severe symptoms should seek treatment in hospitals.
But those with other chronic ailments and the elderly should take special care. Fresh guidelines have been issued for the treatment and care of those who are under quarantine in their homes.
The ICUs in hospitals, ventilators, oxygen and paediatric facilities have been increased on a big scale. Oxygen procurement capacity has also been enhanced.
Cluster management method has been introduced in the wake of a large number of cases being reported in establishments and offices.
Each and everyone should come forward and join hands in covid prevention and control activities. Everyone needs to realise the challenges that have come up in the new phase and take preventive steps accordingly.
I appeal to the people of the state to wholeheartedly cooperate in the fight against pandemic.
(Pinarayi Vijayan is the Chief Minister of Kerala)
