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In a worrying trend, Kerala is witnessing an uptick in COVID-19 infections. The state has registered the highest number of new cases– 182 – in the country so far this month. As per official data, India has 257 active cases.
In Kerala, Kottayam has recorded the highest number of infections (57), followed by Ernakulam (34) and Thiruvananthapuram (30).
On May 21, Health Minister Veena George urged residents to remain vigilant in view of the global trends. She pointed out that COVID-19 infections are rapidly increasing in Singapore and Hong Kong due to the Omicron variant of the virus.
She also advised people to avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals to prevent the risk of transmission.
In response to the rising infections, the Kerala State Rapid Response Team (RRT), under the leadership of Veena George, held a high-level meeting chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS). The meeting was attended by representatives from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, Disaster Management Cell, and major Central government hospitals.
In the meeting, it was decided to increase COVID-19 testing for patients who exhibit the symptoms. Hospitals are urged to make sure that RTPCR kits, safety equipment and masks are available mandatorily. Besides, all local bodies are directed to prepare an action plan by the end of the month.
Apart from Kerala, other states reporting new COVID-19 cases this month include Maharashtra (44), Tamil Nadu (34), Karnataka (8), Gujarat (6), Delhi (3), and one case each from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim. Fortunately, most of these infections are mild and do not require hospitalisation.