Covid fourth wave to hit by June-July; Exercise caution, says Kerala health department

Thiruvananthapuram: Amid predictions that the country is likely to witness the fourth wave of COVID-19 during June-July period this year, the state health department has warned that it should not be taken lightly and adequate caution should be exercised.

Currently, the total number of active cases in Kerala is less than 10,000.

"Though there could be rampant spread of the disease in the fourth wave, it is unlikely to be severe. Risk of mortality would be also less. But we need to continue to exercise caution. Should not stop using mask and sanitisers. The mask is like a pocket vaccine. It is advisable for those in the risk categories to wear masks while they are in places such as the airports and hospitals," explained Dr B Iqbal, chairman of the Covid expert committee.

Covid on the decline, relief for Kerala

Kerala can heave a sigh of relief as the number of Covid cases is on the decline. The state is reporting fewer hospitalisations and mortality rate has also reduced.

During January end, fears of another lockdown loomed large as the number of Covid cases doubled. But now with the Test Positivity Rates (TPR) dropping to 4.33%, life has returned to normalcy in the state. The Covid protocol is now limited to just the use of masks and sanitisers. Now, the only major restriction is that not more than 1500 people are allowed to attend public events.

Currently, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and Thrissur districts are reporting less than 200 Covid cases daily. In seven districts, the number of daily cases is less than 82.

The death toll in the state due to the Covid infection has dropped from 70 on January 25 to just two on March 11.