Kerala tightens restrictions as COVID-19 test positivity rate remains high

CM Pinarayi also pointed out that the state has higher vaccination rates, and that third wave is unlikely if herd immunity is achieved.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in a serious mood with his right hand raised
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in a serious mood with his right hand raised
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Kerala government has announced further restrictions as the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) still remains high in the state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in his customary COVID-19 press meet, said that with the increased TPR (the number of samples tested positive in a group of samples), the average TPR for the last three days is 12.1%. TPR is above 10% in 11 districts and Malappuram district has the highest TPR of 17%.

As per the new restrictions announced by the CM, the Union and state government offices, public offices, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), companies, commissions, and corporation offices in Category A and B local bodies can function with up to 50% of staff and with up to 25% capacity in Category C areas. Only essential services will operate in Category D. Areas that fall under A category are those with TPR below 5%, those under category B have TPR between 5-10%, under C, with TPR between 10-15%, and under D, with TPR above 15%.

"The remaining 50% staff A and B places and 75% in C, and officers from all sectors should be involved in COVID-19 prevention activities. District Collectors should take the initiative to give them the responsibility for the work. Since only essential services operate in the D category, the vast majority of employees will be part of the preventive measures. Areas with a high prevalence of the disease are considered clusters. At the same time, a micro-containment system will be introduced.” the CM said. The state has appointed IAS officers as special officers in five districts for the COVID-19 containment activities. 

Third wave unlikely if herd immunity achieved  

“At least 60% of the population in the community needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity to the disease. A third wave is unlikely to occur if herd immunity is achieved by strictly following the COVID-appropriate protocol. The third wave will not occur naturally. It is caused by the flaws in COVID-19 control and lapses in vaccine supply," Pinarayi Vijayan said.

The CM also said that the state has vaccinated 35.51% of the state’s population with the first dose, and 14.94% are fully vaccinated. This is higher than the national average. "In India, out of the 130 crore people, 25.52% got the first dose while 6.83% received the second dose,” he said. “So far, in Kerala, 1,77,09,529 people have been vaccinated. Of these, 1,24,64,589 received a single dose of vaccine and 52,44,940 have received both doses," the CM said.

The state reported 17,518 new COVID-19 cases with a TPR of 13.63% on July 23. Meanwhile, 132 recent deaths were confirmed as caused by COVID-19 taking the related death toll in the state to 15,871. 

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