Kerala health minister calls for increased vigilance against Covid-19
T'puram: Health minister Veena George has called for heightened vigilance against coronavirus in view of large-scale reporting of Covid-19 cases in some Asian countries.
In a meeting of district medical officers and district surveillance officers held on Friday, the minister sought tightening of surveillance against the virus.
George asked the health officials to track the Covid-19 cases and coordinate the anti-Covid drive accordingly.
She asked the district teams to report the Covid-19 cases without fail.
At least 273 Covid-19 cases have been reported in the state so far in May. Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram reported the highest number of cases — 82 and 73 respectively. Cases reported in other districts include Ernakulam, 49, Pathanamthitta, 30, and Thrissur, 26.
"People with Covid-19 symptoms like cold, throat pain, cough, and breathing difficulties should wear masks. Children, pregnant ladies, and aged citizens may also wear masks as a precaution. Masks are compulsory in hospitals, and health workers should compulsorily wear masks. People should better avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals," a statement from the minister's office said.
The meeting also resolved to strengthen preventive measures to check communicable diseases. It called for vigilance against cholera and hepatitis A. The district officers were asked to invoke provisions in the public health Act against those who contaminate drinking water sources.
NHM state mission director, health department director, health department additional director, district medical officers, and district surveillance officers attended the meeting.
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